Tajik Prosecutor Seeks Lengthy Sentences in High-Profile Coup Case

The state prosecutor has demanded prison sentences for prominent Tajik political figures in an alleged coup attempt case, Orda reports, citing Asia Plus.

According to two anonymous sources speaking to Asia-Plus, the prosecutor requested the following sentences on January 8:

• Saidjafar Usmonzoda, parliament member and former DPT Chair - 30 years
• Hamrokhon Zarifi, former Foreign Affairs Minister - 30 years
• Akbarshoh Iskandarov, former Supreme Council Chairman - 23 years
• Abdulfaiz Atoi, former Foreign Affairs Ministry Department Head - 23 years
• Akhmadshhoh Komilzoda, former DPT Deputy Chair - 23 years
• Shokirjon Khakimov, lawyer and Social Democratic Party deputy chairman - 20 years

Radio Ozodi also reported that prosecutors sought 26-year terms for two retired State Security Committee colonels, Nuramin Ganizoda and Dzhamshed Boev.

The case began in June 2024 with Usmonzoda's arrest, followed by Prosecutor General Yusuf Rahmon announcing charges of violent power seizure.

Subsequent arrests included other prominent figures, with most defendants facing charges of treason and attempted seizure of power. Some face additional charges of fraud and inciting national, racial, regional, or religious hatred.

The trials began on November 14 and were conducted behind closed doors at the Dushanbe pretrial detention center. 

The next phase will allow defendants to make final statements before the judge's deliberation.

The date for the next hearing has not been announced.