DUSHANBE, April 25, 2013, Asia-Plus – A statement released by the U.S. in Dushanbe on April 25 notes that the Embassy of the United States of America condemns the recent attack on Tajikistan’s Islamic Revival Party (IRP) Deputy Chairman Mahmadali Hayit and urges the government of Tajikistan to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and bring to justice those responsible for this crime.

We will recall that the IRP deputy head Mahmadali Hayit was kicked and beaten by several unidentified attackers outside his home on the evening of April 19.  Mr. Hayit was taken to hospital after sustaining moderate and severe wounds.

Freedom House released a statement on April 19, calling on the Tajik authorities to investigate thoroughly and without prejudice the beating of Mahmadali Hayit. 

“Tajikistan is currently preparing for a presidential election in November of this year.  President Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled the country since 1994, has not yet announced if he will run again,” the Freedom House statement said.  The IRP has reportedly come under increasing persecution in the past twelve months as the election draws near.  “In July, a regional leader of the party in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region was murdered during a military operation.  Another local leader from Gorno-Badakhshan is currently being tried behind closed doors in Dushanbe for organizing mass disorders during the military operation.  Freedom House urges the international community and the United States government to raise the issue of persecution of the IRPT at the highest levels with the government of Tajikistan.”