Tajik Police Investigate Brutal Beating Of Political Activist

Tajik journalist Daler Sharifov recovers in hospital after being severely beaten in Dushanbe

Tajik authorities said they are investigating the severe beating of a Tajik journalist and political activist.

The attack on Daler Sharifov, a moderator on a popular talk show on Tajikistan’s state TV channel, "Safina," occurred late on the evening of May 7.

RFE/RL's Tajik Service met with Sharifov and his relatives in a hospital in the capital, Dushanbe, where he is receiving treatment.

Sharifov's friend, who did not reveal his name, said one unknown man restrained him while the other attacked Sharifov.

Last week, in an interview with RFE/RL, Sharifov said he and his followers had created a movement called Qadam ba Qadam, or Step by Step.

He said the aim of the movement, which has not been officially registered, was to counter Tajikistan's regional and tribal politics, which he said was the source of all the country’s problems.