HRW World Report 2026: Tajikistan

The Russian-language country chapter on Tajikistan in Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2026 covers events in 2025. According to the report, the ruling party consolidated power through parliamentary elections held without independent observers, and the authorities continued to prosecute dissent, handing long prison terms to public figures and journalists. The report states no independent investigation was carried out into the authorities’ use of lethal force against peaceful protesters in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) in 2021 and 2022, and no one has been held accountable. It says Pamiris continued to report harassment and pressure; there has also been no accountability for crimes allegedly committed by Tajik servicemen during the 2022 border conflict with Kyrgyzstan. The report notes that in October Tajikistan hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted by the ICC, without executing the arrest warrant; the ICC opened assessment proceedings. Parliamentary elections: in March, the ruling People’s Democratic Party took 49 of 63 seats; ODIHR cancelled its observation mission; independent media including RFE/RL Tajik service were not accredited. Civil society repression: in February the Supreme Court convicted several political/public figures of treason, imposing 18–27-year terms on Shokirjon Hakimov (18 years), Hamrokhon Zarifi and Saidjofar Usmanzoda (27 years each), Ahmadshoh Komilzoda, Akbarsho Iskandarov and retired GKNB colonel Nuramin Ganizoda (18 years each). Political prisoners: in March President Emomali Rahmon pardoned 897 prisoners — none of the jailed journalists, activists or opposition politicians among them. Five ethnic Pamiris detained after the May 2022 protests died in detention in the first half of the year. In September Zubaidullo Rozik (83), a former Islamic Renaissance Party (IRPT) member, died in prison. At least six Pamiri activists remain jailed, including Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva (21 years) and Manuchehr Kholiknazarov (16 years). Seven journalists remain imprisoned. Freedom of expression: The 2nd International Conference of Women Journalists of Central Asia in Dushanbe was cancelled in May. In February the Supreme Court sentenced journalist Rukhshona Hakimova (niece of Shokirjon Hakimov) to 8 years in a closed trial. In January journalist Ahmad Ibrohim, editor of “Paik”, was sentenced to 10 years on bribery charges. Religious freedom: in February, authorities prevented Ismaili mourning ceremonies for Aga Khan IV in Khorog and Dushanbe; in July, Ismaili athletes were barred from Global Encounters Festival 2025 events in Dubai. Transnational repression: in February Dilmurod Ergashev, deported from Germany in November 2024, was sentenced to 8 years for “public calls to extremist activity”. In May activist Farhod Negmatov, deported from Sweden in December 2024, received 8 years for alleged Hizb ut-Tahrir membership — he denies the charges. Refugees: in July Tajikistan deported Afghan nationals. Migrants face intensified harassment in Russia after Crocus City Hall. In March Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan reached a border agreement. Sources cited: HRW reporting, ODIHR, media reports, Asia-Plus.