Радио Озоди: Кабири о формировании военного крыла оппозиции (видео)

The article, published by Радио Озоди (Radio Ozodi) on 11 May 2022 and authored by Мирзонаби Холикзод (Mirzonabi Kholikzod), reports an interview with Мухиддин Кабири (Muhiddin Kabiri), leader of the National Alliance of Tajikistan and of the Tajikistan-banned Islamic Renaissance Party (ПИВТ / IRPT), addressing reports about the formation of an armed wing of the Tajik opposition. Article reports Kabiri on 9 May told opposition-aligned outlets that the emergence of such a wing was a “natural process” and that the Rahmon government does not respond to unarmed opponents; Kabiri is quoted saying political struggle previously ruled out force, but “the world changed” after events in Ukraine. Article reports that Tajik authorities had not responded to the statements, but previously accused IRPT members of terrorism, arms possession and seizure-of-power plots. The article situates the debate after Russian military analyst Андрей Серенко (Andrey Serenko) wrote on Telegram about the creation of an armed wing. In the interview Kabiri states he did not initiate or lead such a wing, says the National Alliance prioritises non-violent struggle, and argues that a people whose opposition and relatives are imprisoned have the same right to armed self-defence as other peoples. Kabiri is quoted saying the question of armed activity had not been raised in opposition leadership bodies, but was being discussed among younger supporters; that the National Alliance does not intend to lead any armed group; that alliance leaders are based in Europe; and that IRPT founder Саид Абдулло Нури (Said Abdullo Nuri)‘s family is cited as an example of relatives of former politicians reportedly under pressure despite having withdrawn from politics. Article notes the Supreme Court of Tajikistan had designated the National Alliance as extremist and terrorist. The article references the alliance’s published 70-page programme on structural reforms, migrant return and free elections. Sources cited in the article: interview with Kabiri, Andrey Serenko Telegram channel, opposition-aligned outlets.