KULOB, April 12, 2016 Asia-Plus -- The NGO Coalition against Torture in Tajikistan (Coalition) is seeking partners in Kulob.

A working group of representatives of the anti-torture group and their potential partners, entitled “Fight against Torture in Tajikistan: Opportunities for Cooperation,” has taken place at the Kulob State University to discuss ways to combat torture in the country.

Member of the Civil Assistance Support at the Coalition, Ms. Najiba Shirinbekova, says the Group was established in 2012.  According to her, the Group aims to regulate the anti-torture activities.

“In 2015, 45 people applied to the Group over torture and cruel treatment and our lawyers have offered legal aid to 35 of them,” Ms. Shirinbekova said.

On the effectiveness of  the Group’s activity, she said, “25 people were made answerable for use of torture and other types of cruel treatment during the period from 2012 to 2015.”

A similar working meeting will take place in Qurghon Teppa, the capital of Khatlon province on April 14.