A defense lawyer from Kafolat Bar Association, R.S. Chalishov, faces the charge of a large-scale fraud. 

The press center of the Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption under the President of Tajikistan says Chalishov has demanded 200,000 somonis from relatives of two defendants, charged with kidnapping (Article 130 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code) and extortion (Article 250 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code), promising to commute their sentences.   

Chalishov reportedly received 200,000 somonis in July 2023 but has not  taken any specific actions in favor of his clients, the anticorruption agency says. 

He has reportedly spent the money received on personal needs.

Criminal proceedings against the defense lawyer have been instituted under the provisions of Article 247 (4) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code – a large scale fraud.  Investigation into his case has already been completed and it has moved to a court, the anticorruption press center says.

If convicted, R.S. Chalishov could face a prison term ranging from 8 to12 years or a fine in the amount from 1,460 to 2,190 calculating indicators (estimates).  Current one calculating indicator is equal to 72.00 somonis.