Tajik authorities have handed down long prison terms to three independent journalists and bloggers in recent days. Four other reporters are awaiting sentencing. The trials have all been held behind closed doors, preventing public scrutiny.
Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service says the convictions against and trial of the journalists are part of a renewed crackdown on dissent in Tajikistan.
All seven journalists and bloggers were arrested between May and July. Observers said the arrests were an attempt by the authorities to control public opinion.
Europe-based opposition activist Farhod Odinayev is cited as saying that the latest clampdown on independent journalists will “further spoil Tajikistan’s reputation as a repressive state that doesn’t tolerate independent media and free speech.”
In the latest conviction, a court in Dushanbe’s Shohmansour district sentenced blogger Daler Imomali to 10 years in prison on October 17. He was found guilty of tax evasion, disseminating false information, and membership in the banned opposition party Group 24, which the authorities consider to be a terrorist group. The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to tax evasion. But he has denied having any links to Group 24. The opposition party also insists that Imomali has never been a member or contributor.
Imomali’s conviction came weeks after independent blogger Mamadsulton Mavlonazarov, 72, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Abdulloh Ghurbati, 26, another blogger, got a 7 1/2 year jail term.
One of the bloggers, Zavqibek Saidamini, had previously said that he often received letters from Dushanbe residents about specific issues. In turn, he would present the letters to relevant officials, he said.
The video blogger insisted that “speaking about problems doesn’t mean criticizing the government.”
