Call for Justice: 17-Year Sentence Demanded for Journalist Rukhshona Hakimova by Tajik Prosecutors

The Civil Committee for the Rescue of Hostages and Political Prisoners of Tajikistan condemns the prosecutor’s demand for a 17-year prison sentence for journalist Rukhshona Hakimova. We call on the Tajik authorities, especially President Emomali Rahmon, to end this unjust treatment of an innocent journalist.

We urge Rukhshona Hakimova’s colleagues—both in Tajikistan and abroad—as well as international organizations, to break their silence and stand up against the ongoing repression in Tajikistan.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the prosecutor has accused Rukhshona Hakimova of «treason» (Article 305 of the Criminal Code) in connection with an alleged «coup d’etat.» This demand for a 17-year sentence was made on January 8 during a secretive, closed-door hearing.

The Committee condemns this unfair sentencing demand. The charge of an attempted coup remains vague and unsubstantiated, as the trial has been shrouded in secrecy. No human rights organization—whether independent or state-run—has been granted access to the details of this case. The lack of transparency has led the public to question the validity of the accusations.

We believe that the continued persecution of political activists and journalists is fueled by the silence of their peers. If journalists had raised their voices collectively against these abuses, such repressive actions would likely have been prevented.

We call on all journalists, especially the National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan and its chairman, Nuriddin Qarshiboev, to break their silence and stand up for the rights of journalists, particularly Rukhshona Hakimova, a dedicated member of your organization.

We strongly urge the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to act decisively. It must not remain neutral in this critical case if it is to uphold its commitment to protecting human rights.

We demand that both the Tajik authorities and human rights organizations—locally and globally—end their silence. Human rights abuses must not be ignored for political gain. Your silence is complicit in the violation of basic freedoms.

The Civil Committee for the Rescue of Hostages and Political Prisoners of Tajikistan

Warsaw, Poland

22.01.2025