Diplomat: Coup trial prosecutors seek lengthy sentences

The report states that in January 2025 prosecutors in Tajikistan requested lengthy prison terms for eight former senior officials and politicians tried behind closed doors on charges linked to an alleged plot 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, with the trial opening on 14 November 2024 in a Dushanbe detention center. The report states that families, independent media and members of the public have been barred from proceedings and that exact charges have not been publicly disclosed, though sources cited described them as including attempting to seize power by force, treason, inciting hatred and forgery. The report states that Prosecutor-General Yusuf Rahmon previously alleged the defendants sought 10 million US dollars from an unnamed foreign government and coordinated with the banned National Alliance of Tajikistan and Jamoati Ansorulloh to destabilize the country. The report states that analysts view the prosecution as part of a broader tightening around political dissent ahead of a potential power transition from President Emomali Rahmon to his son Rustam Emomali.