Tajikistan Hands Down Heavy Prison Sentences in "Coup Plot" Trial

On Wednesday, February 5, Tajikistan's Supreme Court handed down verdicts in the high-profile "attempted coup" case, Orda reports, citing Asia Plus.

The verdict was announced in the capital's pre-trial detention center, where the entire process was held behind closed doors.

According to several Asia Plus sources, the court sentenced:

• Saidzhafar Usmonzoda, member of parliament and former Chair of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan, to 27 years in prison
• Hamrokhon Zarifi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, to 27 years in prison
• Shokirjon Hakimov, Deputy Chair of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan and lawyer, to 18 years in prison
• Ahmadshoh Komilzoda, former Deputy Chair of the Democratic Party and journalist, to 18 years in prison
• Rukhshona Hakimova, Tajik journalist and niece of Shokirjon Hakimov, to 8 years in prison

Authorities charged Hakimova with "state treason" (Article 305 of the Criminal Code). She had remained free until sentencing due to having two young children.

She was arrested immediately in the courtroom after the verdict was announced.

The prosecutor had previously requested 17 years imprisonment for her.

Rukhshona Hakimova's case is reportedly tied to her survey about "China's influence in Tajikistan."

Some of the convicted, including Saidzhafar Usmonzoda and Shokirjon Hakimov, had previously responded to it.

Radio Ozodi, citing its sources,  reports that former Chair of the Supreme Council of Tajikistan Akbarshoh Iskandarov was also sentenced to 18 years in prison as part of this case.

Nuramin Ganizoda, a retired colonel, received 18 years in prison, and Abdulfayz Atoi, former Head of a Foreign Ministry department, was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

The court has also ordered the confiscation of Hamrokhon Zarifi's and Saidzhafar Usmonzoda's property.

The defendants had previously pleaded not guilty.