Shahlo Abdulloeva is a video journalist for RFE/RL's Tajik Service.
Suicides among young housewives have been a growing trend in Tajikistan in recent years, with economic problems compounding often suffocating relations with their in-laws. Ruzigul Mahmadsaid's disappearance from her in-laws' home stoked fears that the 22-year-old was the latest to take her own life.
Following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the previous government's funding for a school for Afghans in Tajikistan's capital was cut off. A school official hopes wealthy Afghans can step in, but so far, parents of the students have had to help cover the costs to pay rent for the school.
In an effort to rein in prostitution, Tajikistan has drafted legislation to punish pimps and brothel owners by terminating their parental rights. Critics say the way to reduce prostitution is to create legal employment for the women, many of whom became sex workers out of extreme poverty.
High demand for real estate in a sought-after Dushanbe suburb has led to corruption in the distribution of land parcels by the local government. An RFE/RL Tajik Service investigation shows the governor appointed to end the culture of corruption has instead expanded it.
