(GDF/IFEX) – The following is the text of a letter by GDF President Alexei Simonov to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov further to the expected appearance in court of two journalists: January 14, 1999 E. Rakhmonov, President of the Republic of Tadjikistan Dear Sir, I urge you to intervene and take immediate measures to stop the […]
(GDF/IFEX) – The following is the text of a letter by GDF President Alexei
Simonov to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov further to the expected
appearance in court of two journalists:
January 14, 1999
E. Rakhmonov,
President of the Republic of Tadjikistan
Dear Sir,
I urge you to intervene and take immediate measures to stop the unlawful
actions against journalists A. Vokhidov and S. Dostiev. They are former
editors-in-chief of the presently non-existent newspapers “Istiklol” and
“Samar”. In violation of the law, and without prior notification, they are
supposed to be brought under escort to the Vosey district court where a
criminal case has been initiated against them regarding a two-year old
publication.
The authors of the offending article have already gone through a criminal
trial in Dushanbe. Now the editors of the newspapers that published the
article are to be brought before the courts. The reason for the incredible
activity of the prosecutor’s office and the Department of the Interior of
the Vosey district can be seen clearly: two years have passed, and Kurbonali
Mirzoaliev, chairman of the executive committee of the district and deputy
of Madjlisi Oli of the Tajik Republic, has acquired a thirst for justice.
Unhappy with the decision of the civil court in Dushanbe, he decided to
pursue the ex-editors with the help of tame law enforcement bodies. One can
imagine what a trial in Vosey district might yield as the prosecutor’s
office and the Department of Interior, ignoring the law, rush to obey the
local landlord’s orders.
Is it possible that there is no other power in Dushanbe except for the
tyranny of the regional officials and deputies? The case is extremely urgent
because on January 15 the journalists might be brought under escort to Vosey
district where, taking into account the agreement between authorities and
law enforcement bodies, they could be forced to confess anything, including
an attempt upon Mirzoaliev’s life. If the law in Tajikistan gives reason to
suspect guilt in the journalists’ actions, the case should be examined in an
open court session and certainly not in the place of residence of the
displeased bureaucrat.
In Tajikistan, as the situation stands, journalists are having a rough time.
Is it possible that both you and the law are unable to protect them from the
tyranny of local authorities?
Faithfully yours,
A. Simonov
President
Glasnost Defence Foundation
Similar letters can be sent to:
Emomali Rakhmonov
President of the Republic of Tajikistan
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Fax: +737 722 269 71
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
