DUSHANBE -- The Dushanbe City Court has sentenced well-known Tajik human rights defender, Izzat Amon, to nine years in prison on fraud charges.
Amon's lawyer, Saiburhon Sharifov, told RFE/RL that his client was handed the sentence on October 19.
Sharifov called the court's decision illegal, adding that his client was eligible for a pardon under the recent mass amnesty devoted to the 30th anniversary of the Central Asian nation's independence.
Sharif said the sentence will be appealed.
For years Amon led the Center for Tajiks in Moscow before he was deprived of Russian citizenship and forced to return to Dushanbe in March at the request of Tajik authorities, who accused the activist of financial fraud.
Amon's supporters and relatives have dismissed the charges as politically motivated.
Amon’s nonprofit organization in Moscow has helped Tajik migrant workers find jobs, obtain work and residency permits, and get legal advice.
Noted Tajik Human Rights Defender Sentenced To Nine Years In Prison
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
Editors' Picks
Listen
Top Trending Central Asia
1
