On February 13, the Ministry of Justice of Tajikistan held a news conference with Minister Muzaffar Ashouriyon, where key issues were discussed, including the riot and escape attempt at Vahdat high-security penal colony, the suspension of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)’s operations and the difficulties Tajik citizens face in obtaining official certificates.
Escape attempt at Vahdat high-security penal colony
The Minister of Justice announced that the General Prosecutor’s Office has set up an investigative team to examine the attempted prison break at Vahdat high-security facility.
"All details regarding what happened, who is responsible, and under which charges the case has been opened will be clear only after the preliminary investigation is completed," said Ashouriyon.
He urged the public to rely only on officially released information, stating that revealing details prematurely could hinder the investigation.
“Once the investigative team completes the initial findings, the relevant authorities will provide an update,” he added.
The state-run news agency Khovar, citing the Public Relations Center of the Main Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sentences (GUIN) of the Ministry of Justice, reported that on the afternoon of February 3, a group of nine inmates of the high-security penal colony (IK No 3/2) in Vahdat launched an attack using improvised tools against the guards. As a result of the attack, three colony staff members reportedly sustained serious injuries.
"The prisoners did not comply with the lawful demands of the facility’s administration. Using sharp and stabbing iron knives of their own making, they continued their criminal actions without presenting any complaints or conditions, attempted to kill the guards, and tried to escape. The guards acted in accordance with the law and service instructions and were forced to use firearms against the attackers. As a result, three criminals were neutralized, while the rest were detained," the statement reads.
Aga Khan Development Network’s operations Suspended
Minister Ashouriyon also addressed updates on the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly regarding the Aga Khan Foundation.
He stated that the agreement between the Government of Tajikistan and the AKDN was terminated in October 2024.
"In the future, all organizational documents will be reviewed in accordance with national law. Any organization that meets the registration requirements can be registered as an NGO," he explained.
Additionally, in 2024, the Ministry of Justice received 1,773 notifications from NGOs regarding grants and foreign aid.
1,159 public organizations and 6 political parties submitted annual reports, detailing their activities and headquarters locations.
Difficulties in obtaining marriage status certificates
Minister Ashouriyon also addressed concerns raised by Asia-Plus regarding Russian registry offices (ZAGS) requiring Tajik citizens to provide proof of unmarried status issued exclusively by the Central Civil Registry Office in Dushanbe.
This policy forces Tajik citizens living in rural areas to travel to the capital, incurring time and financial costs.
Ashouriyon acknowledged the issue, stating that efforts will be made to simplify the process in the future.
He expressed support for an online application system but cited poor internet connectivity and power supply issues as barriers to implementing digital services at this time.
