HRW: 5 Pamiri political prisoners died

Human Rights Watch news release dated 3 September 2025 (Berlin) reports the deaths in custody during 2025 of five ethnic Pamiri political prisoners and calls for prompt, impartial investigation. The report names: Kulmamad Pallaev, 50, a civic activist from Rushan (died January, reportedly after authorities told him to “tolerate the pain”); Bogsho Imatshoev, 67, a supporter of the banned opposition Group 24 (died February after a 26 January blood-pressure spike; an ambulance allegedly arrived four hours late, he remained in coma for about a month); Aslan Gulobov, 35, a civic activist from Khorog (died June); Muzaffar Davlatmirov, 61, an Ismaili cleric imprisoned for leading funerals after the May 2022 crackdown (died June); and Eronsho Mamadrahimov, 39 (died July, reportedly after prolonged torture, allegedly detained to pressure his brother, activist Mehron Mamadrahimov). Central Asia researcher Syinat Sultanalieva is quoted. The document reports the May 2022 GBAO crackdown in Khorog and Rushan resulted in up to 40 deaths and over 200 detained, with no accountability. It states at least six Pamiri activists remain imprisoned, including Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva (21 years) and Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov, director of the Lawyers Association of Pamir (16 years). In March 2025, President Emomali Rahmon granted amnesty to 897 prisoners, excluding Pamiris. At a 2023 UN meeting Justice Minister Muzaffar Ashuriyon denied Pamiris are a distinct minority. Cited internal sources: UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor, European Parliament, U.S. State Department 2024 country report.