Diplomat: Alleged coup plot and secretive trial TJ

The report states that a closed-door trial opened in November 2024 in Tajikistan against a group of former senior officials and politicians accused of plotting to seize state power. The report states that the defendants include former Foreign Minister Hamrokhkhon Zarifi, former parliament speaker Akbarshoh Iskandarov, former parliamentarian Saidjafar Usmonzoda, Democratic Party deputy head Ahmadshoh Komilzoda and Social Democratic Party deputy leader Shokirjon Hakimov, along with retired State Committee for National Security officers and a former Foreign Ministry department head. The report states that Tajik authorities have provided no public details of the charges, with court sessions held at a detention facility in Dushanbe and closed to families, defense representatives and media. The report states that Prosecutor-General Yusuf Rahmon in June 2024 asked parliament to strip Usmonzoda of legislative immunity, alleging he had contacted the banned Europe-based National Alliance of Tajikistan to discuss seizing power by force, and further alleged foreign financing and involvement of the banned Jamoati Ansorulloh. The report states that the crackdown occurs amid speculation that President Emomali Rahmon is preparing to transfer power to his son Rustam Emomali, and analysts cited argue the secrecy of the trial and age of the defendants suggest the cases reflect political insecurity rather than a genuine security threat.