Shokirjohn Hakimov (left) and Hamrokhon Zarifi. Collage by Fergana
Defendants in the case of attempting to seize power in Tajikistan and state treason did not admit their guilt while giving their final statements, reports Asia-Plus citing its own sources.
The latest court hearing on the coup d'état case took place in a Dushanbe detention center on January 22. In particular, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Hamrokhon Zarifi stated that after retirement, he fully dedicated himself to science and stepped away from politics. He presented scientific articles and books, rejected the accusations, and asked for his release.
Lawyer and first deputy head of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan Shokirjohn Hakimov, rejecting all charges against him, emphasized that he is a true patriot who has dedicated his life to solving problems of the state and nation. All those who gave their final statements asked the court for release.
On the defendants' bench, besides Zarifi and Hakimov, sit parliamentary deputy and former leader of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan Saidjafar Usmonzoda, his first deputy Ahmadshoh Komilzoda, former head of one of the Foreign Ministry departments Abdulfaiz Atoi, former chairman of the Supreme Council of Tajikistan Akbarshoh Iskandrov, as well as former employees of the State Committee for National Security Nuramin Ganizoda and Jamshed Boboev.
Most of them are charged under Articles 305 («State Treason») and 306 («Seizure of Power») of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan. Some defendants are charged under Articles 247 («Fraud») and 189 («Inciting national, racial, local or religious enmity») of the Criminal Code.
The trial is being held behind closed doors, with information classified. The first hearing took place on November 14. At the hearing on January 8, the prosecutor requested 20 to 30 years of imprisonment for the defendants.
