In the Kushoniyon district of the Khatlon province, a local resident named Saidahmad Ahmadov, known among clients by the nickname Eshoni Karate, has been detained on suspicion of committing lewd acts and engaging in intimate relationships with women using deceit and the trust of the faithful, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to the investigation, the man provided “services” for exorcising spirits, removing curses, “strengthening relationships,” and treating illnesses. He reportedly received women at his home without the presence of relatives and during so-called rituals committed unlawful sexual acts.
Ahmadov used karate techniques, allegedly beating “demons” with fists and kicks during prayers, which earned him the nickname Eshoni Karate among his clients.
It is reported that for his “services,” he received between 100 and 200 dollars and also demanded sacrifices in the form of livestock.
It is noted that Saidahmad Ahmadov currently resides in his home with three wives. He was previously convicted under Article 170 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code — bigamy or polygamy.
Additionally, the detainee, without any religious education, worked for 20 years as an imam-khatib at the mosque of the Madaniyat-2 neighborhood in the Kushoniyon district.
Criminal proceedings have been instituted against the suspect under Article 142 (1) of the country’s Criminal Code — sexual intercourse, other sexual acts, or lewd acts with abuse of feelings and religious beliefs; the investigation is under way.
In Tajikistan, law enforcement agencies regularly report the detention of individuals committing crimes using the religious beliefs of citizens.
Earlier, a court in Dushanbe’s Sino district sentenced Asadullo Ibrohimov, known as the mullah-sorcerer, to 7 years in prison on charges of sexual violence and fraud using the trust of the faithful. He is also prohibited from engaging in religious activities for 5 years after release and fined 365 calculation units (about 14,600 somoni). Ibrohimov is serving his term in a high-security penal colony.
The court found him guilty under Article 139 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code — violent acts of a sexual nature.
