Hundreds Protest In Tajikistan's Khorugh After Deadly Clashes

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon (file photo)

Hundreds of protesters rallied in Tajikistan’s volatile eastern province of Gorno-Badakhshan on May 22, a day after deadly clashes in the regional capital Khorugh left several people dead.

The protesters demanded the resignation of the local governor, police chiefs and the local prosecutor, saying they were responsible for inciting what the protesters called "disorders to intimidate local residents."

The protesters also demanded investigations into the May 21 clashes. They requested that local civil society groups take part in the investigation.

Officials say at least three people, including a police officer, were killed and at least seven people, including three police officers, were injured during a police attack against alleged criminals and ensuing clashes between security forces and local residents.

Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahim and the presidential advisor on national security, Sherali Hairulloev, have arrived in Khorugh for talks with protesters.