We have heard from several sources that SCNS of Tajikistan had sent several groups of people whose aim is to murder or abduct Tajik opposition journalists living abroad.

According to sources we have, these groups have been tracking Tajik journalists.

It seems that Tajik security forces are not satisfied with torturing and pressuring journalists’ relatives and have chosen committing crimes against journalists themselves. In addition to this, these days Tajik journalists, that are in Tajikistan, are being subjected to prosecution and pressure. Detaining and imprisoning Daler Sharifov is one of the examples of this kind.

Taking into consideration the fact of murdering the founder and head of «Group 24», our committee is extremely worried that same incident could happen in other countries as well.

Having stated our worries about these news, our committee kindly asks the United Nations and other human rights organizations, especially «Reporters without borders», to take necessary measures to provide security for active journalists. Also, our committee calls upon independent Tajik journalists and newspapers to stand alongside their fellow colleagues in order to prevent unwanted operations against them.

The National Committee for the Release of Political Hostages and Prisoners of Tajikistan

February 24, 2020

Warsaw, Poland