The defense lawyers for eight individuals accused in the so-called "coup" case in Tajikistan have requested the court to declare their clients innocent, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, known locally as Radio Ozodi, reported on January 14.
The accused include Saidjafar Usmonzoda, Shokirjon Hakimov, Hamrokhon Zarifi, Akbarsho Iskandarov, Abdulfaiz Atoi, Ahmadsho Komilzoda, Nouramin Ghanizoda, and Jamshed Boyev. These are three political party representatives, three former state officials, and two retired security officers.
The defense's plea was made on January 14, but since the trial was held behind closed doors at a detention facility, details remain unclear.
“Lawyers spoke about the innocence of their clients. This was their final statement in court,” a source familiar with the case told Radio Ozodi on Tuesday.
One of the defense attorneys also confirmed after leaving the detention center that “all arguments focused on the charges against their clients.” No further details were provided.
It is likely that in the upcoming sessions, the final statements of the accused will be heard, after which the judge will retire for deliberation. The date of the next hearing remains unknown.
Charges and prosecutor's demands
Tajik authorities accuse the eight prominent figures and former officials of attempting to seize power by force, inciting hatred, fraud, and treason. On January 8, the prosecutor demanded prison sentences ranging from 23 to 30 years:
- Saidjafar Usmonzoda, former chairman of the Democratic Party and ex-MP: 30 years in prison.
- Hamrokhon Zarifi, former Foreign Minister: 30 years in prison.
- Nouramin Ghanizoda, retired security colonel: 26 years in prison.
- Jamshed Boyev, retired security colonel: 26 years in prison.
- Shokirjon Hakimov, deputy chairman of the Social-Democratic Party: 24 years in prison.
- Akbarsho Iskandarov, former chairman of the Supreme Council (former unicameral parliament of Tajikistan): 23 years in prison.
- Abdulfaiz Atoi, former head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate: 23 years in prison.
- Ahmadsho Komilzoda, former deputy chairman of the Democratic Party: 23 years in prison.
Family members of the accused have refrained from speaking openly. A relative of one prominent figure, speaking anonymously on January 9, expressed doubts about their guilt, stating, "The prosecutor's demand for elderly individuals is equivalent to a life sentence."
Defendants deny charges
The accused in the "coup" case denied the treason charges at the end of December 2024, alleging coercion by investigators.
The trial, which began on November 14, 2024, is ongoing. Relatives of the accused are not allowed in the courtroom, and defense attorneys have declined to comment publicly.
Arrests and government response
The arrests began in June 2024, following the detention of Saidjaffar Usmonzoda. At the time, Tajikistan's Prosecutor General told parliamentarians that the plan to seize power had been in preparation for several years. The case was subsequently classified as confidential.
International organizations, including Freedom House and Amnesty International, have criticized Tajikistan’s government in recent years for suppressing dissent and opposition.
