KHUJAND, June 29, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Three residents of Khujand (Sughd province) have been detained on suspicion of having been involved in buying and selling of minors.  The case concerns buying and selling of a two-month baby for 440 somoni.

According to the Sughd police directorate, the Khujand prosecutor’s office has instituted criminal proceedings against three local residents – 32-year-old Mutabar Normatova, the mother of the baby, as well as 40-year-old Muhammadjon Sharipov and his wife.  They face charge of buying and selling of minors (Article 167, part 2 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code).

The source says Ms. Normatova on June 26 sold her two-month son to the pair for 440 somoni.  Investigation is under way.