Accessibility links

Breaking News

Tajik Journalist Arrested Again, Charged With Soliciting Bribes


Tajik journalist Muhammadyusuf Ismoilov (left)
Tajik journalist Muhammadyusuf Ismoilov (left)
DUSHANBE -- In Tajikistan, a prominent, independent journalist has been arrested again and charged with soliciting bribes.

The Tajik Interior Ministry announced on June 26 that Muhammadyusuf Ismoilov was arrested earlier this week and accused of demanding bribes from two residents of the northern province of Sughd.

Ismoilov made headlines in 2010 after publishing his investigative reports about what he called a local prosecutor's illegal activities.

He was then arrested and charged with libel and corruption.

Ismoilov spent 11 months in pretrial detention and was released in October 2011.

While in detention, a local court found him guilty and fined him the equivalent of $9,000.

Ismoilov's lawyer told RFE/RL on June 26 that he needed to get better acquainted with his client's case before making any comments on the arrest.

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.

XS
SM
MD
LG