Islamic Renaissance Party Members Go On Trial In Tajikistan

Party leader Muhiddin Kabiri, who now lives in exile, has rejected the accusations.

The Tajik Supreme Court has started hearings in the trial of 13 leading members of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) accused of attempting to overthrow the government.

Hearings were taking place on February 9 behind closed doors.

The accused included one woman, Zarafo Rahmoni, who worked as a legal adviser to the party's leadership.

The group stands accused of conspiring with former Defense Minister Abduhalim Nazarzoda in a supposed armed bid to seize power in early September.

The authorities say Nazarzoda led attacks on a police station and an arsenal that killed at least 26 people. Nazarzoda was reportedly killed in an operation by government forces.

Authorities blamed the IRPT for organizing the mutiny, while the Supreme Court banned the party, designating it an "extremist and terrorist organization."

Party leader Muhiddin Kabiri, who now lives in exile, has rejected the accusations.