Ahmad Ibrohim, founder and editor-in-chief of Payk weekly, the only independent newspaper in Khatlon province, has been in custody since August 12 of this year, accused of bribing a National Security Committee officer, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, known locally as Radio Ozodi, reported on October 18, noting that his case has now been classified as secret.
The trial is being held in a Kulob detention center.
Citing an informed source, Radio Ozodi reports that two additional charges—extremism and extortion—have been added to Ibrohim’s case.
Allegedly, experts concluded that his materials contained elements of extremism, and it was also claimed that he demanded money from several officials.
Friends and colleagues of the journalist believe these accusations are retaliation by officials angered by his critical articles.
One of the officials who filed a complaint against Ibrohim with the prosecutor’s office is Bobokhon Abdurahmonov, a former head of the Kulob Health Department.
Abdurahmonov was arrested in July for firing a gun at children but somehow avoided criminal liability and was released from custody. He alleged that Ibrohim had extorted money from him. The journalist had criticized Abdurahmonov multiple times in his weekly paper.
Relatives of Ibrohim have avoided speaking to the press. One family member stated that they are not allowed to visit him in the detention center.
Ahmad Ibrohim, aged 62, founded Payk weekly in 2012. Despite being the only independent weekly in Khatlon, the newspaper has faced numerous challenges over the past decade. There were periods when Payk was sued for critical articles, and its publication was sometimes suspended due to financial difficulties.
In 2014, the regional prosecutor's office suspended the paper, citing its failure to renew its registration within the required five-month period, during which it continued publishing without authorization. The prosecution fined the newspaper 400 somonis for violating the law.
International organizations have expressed concern for Ibrohim’s fate, while Tajikistan’s media community remains largely silent on the matter.
