DUSHANBE, December 27, 2013, Asia-Plus – The Political Council of the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan (IRP) has released a statement, in which it condemns sentence on Zayd Saidov as “unfair” as well as detention and beating of cameraman Abdurahim Shukurov, who works for independent news website, Ozodagon.

The statement was released at the IRP Political Council meeting that took place in Dushanbe yesterday.

Revelation of the falsified facts in the case makes obvious that the case is politically motivated, according to the statement.

Strongly condemning these acts, the IRP board demands that the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Interior refrain from creating atmosphere of fear and alarm in society.

Instituting criminal and administrative proceedings against activists and journalists will not only create unhealthy atmosphere inside the country, but it will also undermine the country’s image on international arena, the statement says.

The IRP Political Council also calls on the Government of Tajikistan to observe international obligations on human rights and rules of democratic society.

The IRP Political Council asks foreign diplomatic missions and international human rights organizations active in Tajikistan not to stay aloof from the case of Zayd Saidov.