Suspect Detained In Rahmon Relative Murder Case

Kholmumin Safarov

Law enforcement officials in Tajikistan have announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Kholmumin Safarov, the brother-in-law of Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon.

Tajik Interior Affairs Ministry officials said at a press conference that the suspect was detained following a lengthy undercover operation, and that a search is continuing for accomplices.

The name, age, and other details about the suspect were not disclosed.

Safarov, the 57-year-old husband of Rahmon's eldest sister, died in June after being shot in the chest, abdomen, and head near his home in the capital, Dushanbe.

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RFE/RL's Tajik Service has obtained a video showing police draining the city's Dushanbinka River in a search for the murder weapon.

Authorities have so far not revealed a possible motive for the killing of Safarov, who was not known to have any significant business interests.

Based on reporting by Interfax and ITAR-TASS