A court in Dushanbe has sentenced the leader of an opposition group that has been sharply critical of the government and another group member to lengthy prison sentences for "extremism." Suhrob Zafar, the leader of Group 24, and Nasimjon Sharifov were sentenced to 30 years and 20 years in prison, respectively. The sentences were handed down a week earlier, sources told RFE/RL on October 17. Group 24 was founded by businessman Umarali Quvatov, who was assassinated in Turkey in 2015. The group has been a vocal critic of the Tajik government and advocates for democratic reforms. Tajik authorities have labeled it "extremist," though Zafar and other members deny any involvement in terrorism, insisting their cause is peaceful. During their final statements, both Zafar and Sharifov expressed no regret, with Zafar maintaining that he had neither harmed anyone nor betrayed his people. Sources suggest the two men are unlikely to appeal, with Zafar indicating he was prepared for prison and even death. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, click here.
