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May 06, 2025 – Tajikistan –
The government of Tajikistan is facing growing condemnation for its prolonged detention of independent journalist Rukhshona Khakimova, whose case has come to symbolize the country’s tightening grip on freedom of expression. Human rights advocates, international watchdogs, and Khakimova’s own family are urging authorities to release her immediately and drop the politically motivated charges.
Khakimova, a young reporter known for her critical coverage and ties to independent outlets, has been in custody since September 2023. Initially taken in for questioning, her detention was later extended under accusations of involvement in banned organizations — charges widely seen as an excuse to silence her work. Human rights groups argue that her arrest is part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism and civil society in Tajikistan, particularly in the country’s restive Gorno-Badakhshan region.
International organizations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), have condemned Khakimova’s imprisonment as arbitrary and unlawful. They emphasize that her detention lacks transparency and due process, and that the charges against her fail to meet international legal standards. According to observers, Tajikistan’s judiciary has increasingly been used to stifle dissent by targeting journalists with vague national security laws.
Meanwhile, Khakimova’s parents have made public appeals to President Emomali Rahmon, pleading for their daughter’s release. They maintain that she is innocent and that her only “offense” was reporting on sensitive topics. Their emotional call highlights the personal toll of the government’s repression and reflects the broader climate of fear for journalists in the country.
Tajikistan’s government has long been accused of suppressing free speech through surveillance, harassment, and imprisonment. In recent years, the situation has worsened, with numerous reporters fleeing the country or being forced into silence. Media outlets that are not state-aligned face constant pressure or shutdowns, leaving little space for critical voices.
As international concern mounts, human rights defenders are calling for increased diplomatic pressure and public attention. They argue that continued silence from global powers only emboldens authoritarian tactics, and that immediate action is needed to protect journalists like Khakimova and preserve what remains of press freedom in Tajikistan.
Reference –
https://en.fergana.news/news/136942/
Parents of Imprisoned Tajik Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova Urge Rahmon to Intervene
