RFERL: TJ secret trial plot to seize power or fearful government

The report states that a closed-door trial of eight former Tajik officials and politicians began on 14 November 2024 in a Dushanbe detention center, with no announcement by authorities and family members, media and the public barred from proceedings. The report states that Prosecutor-General Yusuf Rahmon claimed the defendants had joined banned opposition parties to organize armed groups and seize political power, and alleged the plot involved seeking 10 million US dollars from a foreign government and enlisting fighters from the banned Jamoati Ansorulloh. The report states that charges reportedly include attempting to seize power by force, treason, inciting hatred and forgery, though exact charges remain unknown. The report lists the defendants as former parliamentarian Saidjafar Usmonzoda, former Foreign Minister Hamrokhkhon Zarifi, former parliament speaker Akbarshoh Iskandarov, Democratic Party deputy head Ahmadshoh Komilzoda, Social Democratic Party deputy leader Shokirjon Hakimov, former Foreign Ministry official Abdulfaiz Atoi and two retired State Committee for National Security colonels. The report states that analysts interviewed by RFE/RL view the charges as baseless given the defendants’ ages (60s and 70s) and loss of influence, and frame the secrecy as reflecting government paranoia ahead of a planned power transfer to President Rahmon’s son Rustam.