15 May 2025 – Warsaw – The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, has expressed deep concern over the sentencing of Rukhshona Khakimova, an investigative journalist and member of the National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan, to eight years in prison on treason charges. She urged Tajik authorities to grant her a fair retrial and release her.
Trial Raises Concerns Over Press Freedom
Lawlor criticized the handling of Khakimova’s case, noting that her trial failed to meet international fair trial standards and questioning whether the charges were politically motivated rather than legally justified.
“Rukhshona Khakimova’s trial appears to have fallen short of international fair trial standards,” Lawlor stated, emphasizing that if the charges are valid, they must be supported by clear evidence and tested transparently.
Allegations and Growing Pressure
Khakimova was convicted in July 2024, allegedly in connection with a public survey she conducted on China’s influence in Tajikistan. However, no public records detailing her alleged offense were made available, adding to concerns over the secrecy surrounding the case.
Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for Tajik authorities to drop charges against Khakimova. Syinat Sultanalieva, HRW’s Central Asia researcher, emphasized that journalists should not face criminal charges for conducting investigative work, stressing that Tajik authorities must uphold fair trial standards if they have credible evidence.
Isolation and Family Impact
Khakimova’s imprisonment has separated her from her two young children, leaving her family in financial distress. Reports indicate that she has been denied visitation rights and parcels, isolating her further.
Lawlor warned that the harsh treatment of female journalists could deter women from pursuing careers in journalism and human rights advocacy, deepening concerns over freedom of expression in Tajikistan.
Patterns of Crackdown on Journalists
The sentencing of Khakimova is the latest in a series of legal actions against journalists in Tajikistan.
- In 2018, HRW condemned the “draconian” sentencing of another journalist to 12 years on questionable charges.
- In 2022 and 2023, Tajik authorities sentenced seven journalists to prison terms ranging from seven to 20 years, prompting international criticism.
- In 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Tajik authorities to drop bribery charges against independent newspaper editor Ahmad Ibrohim.
International Demands for Justice
With mounting international pressure, human rights organizations continue to demand that Tajikistan uphold press freedom, protect journalists from politically motivated prosecutions, and ensure justice for Khakimova.
Dushanbe Presidential Palace Palace of the Nation Tajikistan Picture on Wikipedia by VargaA
