President Emomali Rahmon has reinstated a local Tajik official who had been fired by a regional governor over an out-of-tune musical performance at a presidential meeting.
Rahmon on August 24 reinstated Ziyoda Salomova as head of the Department for Women and Family Issues in the southwestern Huroson district.
The governor of Huroson district, Rahmatullo Safarzoda, was officially reprimanded for "shortcomings in his activity, including the illegal removal of Ziyoda Salomova from her post."
On August 14, RFE/RL correspondents reported that during Rahmon's visit to Huroson, a group of women played out-of-tune Tajik folk music on traditional instruments. Their faulty performance led to the removal of Salomova, who was responsible for the event's preparation.
Rahmon's press service said on August 24 that reports suggesting the president was disappointed by the musicians' performance was not true.
"The president visits the regions to get acquainted with the lives of ordinary people, not to rate the quality of celebrations held by people with sincere intentions to honor him," the statement said.
