The first deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court, Shavkat Lutfullozoda, sent to the editorial office of Asia–Plus a response to the article "The judicial system in Tajikistan: No honor, no dignity, no transparency." We give his answer in full:
"As follows from the content of the article, it touches upon issues related to the low salaries of judges, as if this situation encourages them to commit corruption crimes and take bribes.
It should be noted that with the constant support of the country's top political leadership, judicial and legal reforms were given a new impetus, which began in the early days of independence. The basis of these reforms was the strengthening of the judiciary, the development of the process of democratization of the judiciary, as well as a radical change in the activities of law enforcement agencies, including the judiciary.
The State and the Government of the country have taken concrete measures to strengthen the activities of the judiciary, enhance the role of the court in the full performance of its constitutional duties, improve and strengthen the judicial structure, as well as improve the material and technical support of judicial authorities.
In accordance with the messages of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the country's parliaments, four programs of judicial and legal reforms have been developed and implemented. The state of the organizational, financial and logistical support of the courts has improved significantly, which has increased the effectiveness of the judiciary in the administration of justice and the prevention of violations.
It is worth noting that the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, constantly pays special attention to further strengthening the judicial authorities as an independent branch of government.
In order to develop the independence of the judiciary, the State and the Government are implementing a number of measures, including increasing the salaries of judges, allocating funds from the State budget and providing courts with modern buildings and equipment.
In particular, Presidential Decrees No. 1493 of August 14, 2003, No. 1108 of September 22, 2018, No. 1108 of July 2, 2022 and January 18, 2024 adopted a number of measures aimed at improving conditions for judges.
Also, with government funding, administrative buildings of courts were put into operation in Shakhriston, Baljuvan, Nurobad, Shamsiddinshakhi, Varzob, Vosei, Vanj, Shugnon, Sangvorsky, Rogun, Tochikabad, Dangara and Kuhistoni Mastcha districts. These buildings have been restored and equipped with modern working equipment.
