HRW World Report: TJ chapter

The report states that in 2024 the Tajik government reinforced its crackdown on dissent, jailing public figures, journalists, and bloggers, and sought deportation or extradition from other countries of people linked to a banned opposition party. The report states there has been no independent investigation or accountability for the deadly government crackdown on peaceful protesters in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). The report states that in February and March 2024, two senior figures of Group 24, Nasimjon Sharifov and Sukhrob Zafar, disappeared in Turkey and later resurfaced in Tajikistan in detention with signs of torture, receiving sentences of 20 and 30 years after a closed trial. The report states Germany deported Dilmurod Ergashev in November after refusing his asylum claim, and he was detained upon arrival. The report states Tajik authorities conducted a series of arrests of prominent figures over the summer, including Shokirjon Hakimov, a human rights lawyer and deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party, charged with high treason for allegedly plotting to seize power. The report states seven journalists were in prison for critical reporting, including Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, sentenced in 2022 to 21 years on trumped-up charges. The report states president Rahmon brought into force amendments to the “traditions” law banning clothing “foreign to the national culture” in public spaces, effectively prohibiting hijabs. The report states Russia deported 17,000 Tajik migrants in the first six months of 2024, and 94 percent of the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border had been delineated by September.