The United States Department of State has announced the launch of the Without Just Cause initiative, which seeks to raise international awareness of the plight of political prisoners and their families, and to advocate for the release of all individuals worldwide who are detained unfairly.
The US Department of State notes that sixteen individuals, including Tajik human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov, are highlighted in this initiative, and many of them are reportedly subjected to torture, gender-based violence, inhumane conditions, enforced disappearance, or other forms of abuse.
“Some are held in reprisal for peaceful protest, exposing corruption, or critical reporting,” says the US Department of State. “Others are held because of their race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, or for perceived or real LGBTQI+ status or conduct.”
Some governments reportedly abuse their legal systems to target peaceful protestors or government critics on contrived charges such as “terrorism,” “extremism,” “cybercrimes,” “fake news,” or “hooliganism.” Many are sentenced by courts that lack independence, in trials closed to outside observers, while others are detained without being afforded other applicable legal protections, according to the US Department of State.
The US Department of State notes that the Without Just Cause initiative will include diplomatic engagement and public diplomacy in Washington, DC and by U.S. embassies abroad. It reflects input from political prisoner advocates, family members, and nongovernmental organizations.
A statement released by the US Department of State says Tajik human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov bravely represented people against politically motivated charges from the government in court. It reportedly eventually landed him in jail. He was arrested in September 2015 and sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2016 on charges allegedly prompted by his representation of individuals prosecuted by the government of Tajikistan. Yorov has been awarded multiple international human rights awards. According to Lawyers for Lawyers, he suffers from asthma and his health has deteriorated during the pandemic.
