Tajikistan jails 17 convicted militants
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 May 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Tajikistan jails 17 convicted militants, 30 May 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4fcf5f3632.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 30, 2012
KHUJAND, Tajikistan – A court in the northern Tajik city of Khujand has handed down lengthy prison sentences to 17 men linked to the banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.
The sentences range from nine to 23 years.
The men were found guilty of membership in a banned organization, a crime which according to Tajik laws carries lengthy imprisonment.
Five of the convicts had allegedly been to militant training camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Prosecutors said the men had been seeking to recruit followers to extremist organizations.
The men reportedly admitted to some of the charges, but denied charges of membership in any organization.
It was immediately unclear what charges they had pleaded guilty to.
Defense lawyers said the men's confessions were obtained through torture.
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