DUSHANBE, January 9, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- “I hope Tajik authorities’ decision to ban Salafiya has a preventive character and will not entail repressive measures,” the leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRPT) Muhiddin Kabiri said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

He also noted that he was surprised at authorities’ moves.  Just a year ago, they were saying that Salafis did no commit any illegal acts, while now, they outlawed them, according to him.

“Hence, one may make conclusion that our competent authorities do not have qualified specialists that could consider important issues related national security impartially and in time,” the IRPT leader said.

We will recall that earlier last year, the Minister of Interiors Mahmadnazar Solehov admitted that Salafis had not committed any unlawful or unconstitutional acts.  However, he added that Salafiya followers were recognized as extremists and were banned in some countries.