The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (Observatory) has been informed about the continued arbitrary detention of Ms. Rukhshona Hakimova, a 31-year-old prominent independent journalist, human rights defender, and mother of two young children.
A statement released on March 3, in particular, says that Tajikistan’s Supreme Court convicted Ms. Hakimova of high treason and sentenced her to eight years in prison on February 5.
“Ms. Hakimova's prosecution, criminalization, and arbitrary detention stem from her professional work, specifically her involvement in conducting a politically sensitive poll about China’s influence in Tajikistan for the Kyrgyz NGO Barometer. This survey reportedly included interviews with prominent political figures who are part of the opposition and who have also faced increasing pressure from the Tajik authorities,” the statement says.
The Observatory condemns the persecution, criminalization, and arbitrary arrest of Ms. Rukhshona Hakimova. It asserts that her arrest constitutes a blatant violation of her right to freedom of expression and represents an attack on the critical role of independent journalism and human rights defenders in a democratic society.
The Observatory also denounces the gross violation of her right to due process and a fair trial. It calls for Ms. Hakimova’s immediate and unconditional release and urges Tajikistani authorities to respect her rights, including her status as a mother, and to adopt a gender-sensitive and child-rights approach in her case.
The Observatory for Protection of Human Rights Defenders was created by the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) in partnership with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) in 1997. This unique collaboration is based on the complementarity of each organization's approach and is based on their respective NGO networks.
Recall, the Reporters without Borders (RSF) noted in its statement released on February 28 that the investigation into Rukhshona Hakimova’s case was marred by irregularities, and her trial was unfair. “Her arbitrary and scandalous conviction, with an alarmingly heavy sentence, illustrates the Tajik authorities’ determination to silence all independent voices ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 2,” the statement says, adding that RSF supports the journalist, refutes the charge against her, and calls on the prosecutor to grant her immediate release,
As it was reported earlier, the charge of treason against Hakimova stems from a public survey she conducted on China's influence on Tajikistan as part of her work as a reporter last year. According to available information, Hakimova’s case may be linked to her survey on “China’s Influence on Tajikistan", which was previously answered by several individuals convicted in the "coup plot" case, including Saidjafar Usmonzoda, former head of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan, sentenced to 27 years in prison, and Shokirjon Hakimov, sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Rukhshona Hakimova is an independent journalist and mother of two small children: one is 9 months old and another one is 2 ½ years old. Rukhshona Hakimova is the niece of Shokirjon Hakimov, lawyer and the Frist Deputy Chairman of the Social-Democratic Party of Tajikistan (SDPT). HE was sentenced on 18 years in prison.
