DUSHANBE, June 4, 2013, Asia-Plus – To-date, only the charge of large-scale bribe-taking (Article 319 (4) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code) has been officially brought against Tajik businessman and former industry Minister Zayd Saidov, who recently announced he would create a “New Tajikistan” party.
One of Saidov’s defense lawyers says the charge was officially brought against Saidov following a testimony given by former director of the Isfara director, Nizomkhon Jourayev.
According to a statement released by the anticorruption agency last month, Zayd Saidov is suspected of having committed grave economic crimes during the time when he was minister of industry. The statement says these facts were allegedly revealed during the preliminary investigation into case of Tajik tycoon Nizomkhon Jourayev (the so-called “Isfarans’ Case”).
During a confrontation held on May 20, ex-director of the Isfara chemical plant, Nizomkhon Jourayev, reportedly said that he gave a bribe of US$100,000 to Zayd Saidov in 2005.
Local experts consider that the allegations are part of growing pressure against Zayd Saidov by authorities since he announced his political intentions.
Zayd Saidov was detained on May 19 on charges of corruption. He has been stripped of his parliamentary immunity. Saidov denies any wrongdoing and says his case is politically motivated.
Meanwhile, one of Saidov’s defense lawyers says Saidov has a stomach ulcer and it has become acute in recent days. “Zayd Saidov needs doctor but they have not provided him with doctor so far,” the lawyer said.
