DUSHANBE, May 3, Asia-Plus - Head office of the Mahmadruzi Iskandarov-run wing of the Democratic Party (DPT) in Dushanbe is opening its doors to those interested today on occasion of World Press Freedom Day.   

According to the DPT, representatives from international organizations and local pubic associations as well as media have been invited to visit the party’s head office.  The DPT deputy leader, Rahmatullo Valiyev, said that they are ready to answer to all questions of visitors.  

He further added that the party’s office opens its doors also on occasion of birthday of the imprisoned party leader Mahmadruzi Iskandarov, who is 54 today.  

We will recall that the Supreme Court in October 2005 sentenced Mahmadruzi Iskandarov to 23 years in prison.  The sentence followed his conviction on charges of terrorism, the embezzlement of state funds, abuse of office, and the illegal storage of weapons.  The court also stripped Iskandarov of all previous state honors and wards, including revoking his rank of Major-General.