ADC Memorial: Persecution of activists in the Pamirs

Dated 2 August 2022, this ADC Memorial (Anti-Discrimination Centre Memorial) report details the persecution of activists in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). The report states the situation has been tense since 25 November 2021, when local resident Gulbiddin Ziyobekov was killed during a security operation in the village of Tavdem, Roshtkala district. According to the report, several thousand people gathered in Khorog’s central square demanding accountability for Ziyobekov’s death, the resignation of the new regional head, withdrawal of troops from Khorog, and restoration of internet; during the suppression of the four-day protests two more people were killed — Tutisho Amirshoev and Gulnazar Murodbekov — and 17 were wounded. The report describes “Commission 44”, a group of 44 civic activists and informal leaders from Khorog who mediated the end of the protest; six joined a Prosecutor General’s and military prosecutor’s investigation group. It states that on 19 January 2022 “Commission 44” announced it was ending cooperation with the authorities, after which open repressions began. On 28 May 2022 thirteen members and close associates were detained on charges of illegally receiving foreign funds and instructions to organise protests in Khorog and the Rushan district. Two members were sentenced to 18 years: Shaftolu Bekdavlatov (64) and Khujamri Pirmamadov (58). Lawyer Faromuz Ergashev (Фаромуз Эргашев) was detained and charged after appearing as their defence lawyer; he remains in the GKNB pre-trial facility in Dushanbe. Also under investigation: Manuchehr Kholiknazarov (head of the Pamir Lawyers’ Association), activists Muzaffar Muborakshoev and Bakhtovar Bakhtiyorov, and 23-year-old blogger Khushruz Jumaev (known as “Khushom Gulyam”). Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva and retired border-troops general Kholbash Kholbashev are accused of “leading roles” in organising mass disorder; journalist Khursand Mamadshoev (her brother) is also detained. Further named convictions: Muslim Sherzamonov (18 years, brother of opposition politician Alim Sherzamonov); Amriddin Alovatshoev (18 years, deported from Russia); MMA fighter Chorshanbe Chorshanbiev (8.5 years, deported from Russia); Tutiyo Amirshoev (8.5 years, cousin of the deceased Tutisho Amirshoev); wrestling coach Komron Mamadnazarov (5 years). Four additional GBAO natives detained in Russia and forcibly transferred to Tajikistan are named: Jonibek Chorshanbiev, Muslim Navruzov, Oraz Vazirbekov and Ramzi Vazirbekov. The report states about 75 people died in GBAO over the past decade, and over 2,000 Pamiris faced criminal proceedings — a large number given the regional population of around 220,000. Sources cited include the European Parliament resolution, FIDH, Genocide Watch, HRW, UK OSCE statement.