Detaining Relatives of Exiled Activists: Tajikistan’s Crackdown on Dissent

Tajikistan: Exiled Activists’ Relatives Detained over Protest

End Detention, Ill-Treatment of Family Members

October 6, 2023, BERLIN — The Tajik authorities have come under scrutiny for their recent detention of relatives of opposition diaspora members who held protests during President Emomali Rakhmon’s visit to Germany. Human Rights Watch has condemned these actions as a violation of Tajikistan’s international human rights obligations. According to the organization, almost 50 relatives have been detained and questioned, with many still behind bars on unclear charges. This episode highlights the ongoing practice of retaliation and collective punishment against exiled activists and their families, further exacerbating the crackdown on political dissent in Tajikistan.

Background

On September 28, the National Alliance of Tajikistan and Group 24, both banned opposition organizations in Tajikistan, organized protests outside the Tajik embassy in Germany during President Rakhmon’s visit. The following day, some activists threw eggs at the car in which he was traveling. In response, Tajik law enforcement authorities started detaining relatives of the activists and known opposition members. The detainees, including elderly grandparents and children, were reportedly subjected to ill-treatment and other forms of abuse. Many of the detained relatives were recorded in videos denouncing the actions of their relatives and the activities of the opposition groups, raising suspicions about the circumstances under which they participated in these videos.

Systematic Collective Punishment

The Tajik authorities have a long history of practicing collective punishment against activists based abroad. This practice intensified in 2015 and 2016 when the country’s only opposition groups, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan and Group 24, were labeled as terrorists and banned. The National Alliance of Tajikistan, a European Union-based alliance of opposition dissidents formed in 2018, was also banned in 2019 and labeled as a terrorist group. The recent detention of relatives as a form of punishment for dissenting political activity is a flagrant violation of international human rights norms and obligations.

International Response and Accountability

Thirteen of the nearly thirty participants in the Berlin protests have published a call for the Tajikistan government to cease harassing and punishing their relatives. The United States, the European Union, and other international actors have a responsibility to condemn these actions by the Tajik government and exert pressure to end these abuses. Officials responsible for these detentions and other human rights violations must be held to account.

Editorial: Upholding International Obligations

The recent actions of the Tajik authorities in detaining and mistreating relatives of exiled activists are worrisome and raise serious concerns about the state of human rights and political freedoms in the country. These detentions, undertaken as a form of collective punishment, fly in the face of Tajikistan‘s international human rights obligations and further demonstrate the government’s outright disregard for the fundamental principles of freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

It is essential that the international community responds strongly to these egregious human rights violations. The United States, the European Union, and other nations must condemn these actions and exert diplomatic pressure on Tajikistan to cease its campaign of repression and intimidation. Additionally, these countries should consider targeted sanctions against officials responsible for these abuses to ensure there are consequences for their actions.

Furthermore, it is crucial for Tajikistan‘s domestic civil society and opposition groups to continue highlighting these violations and pushing for accountability. By amplifying their voices and documenting the abuses, they can contribute to building international awareness and support for their cause. Solidarity and unity among activists and human rights defenders will be key to combating the government’s tactics of repression and ensuring a brighter future for Tajikistan.

Advice: Protecting Exiled Activists and their Families

For exiled activists and their families, the risks they face are significant. The Tajik government has shown a willingness to go to great lengths to punish dissent, even if it means targeting the loved ones of activists based abroad. In this hostile environment, it is crucial to take measures to safeguard oneself and one’s family members. Here are some recommendations for exiled activists:

1. Maintain a Support Network:

Building a strong support network, both domestically and internationally, is essential. This network can provide emotional support, advocacy, and assistance when facing threats or harassment. Reach out to human rights organizations, civil society groups, and other activists who can offer guidance and resources.

2. Document and Report Threats:

Keep detailed records of any threats or incidents of harassment received by yourself or your family members. Reporting these incidents to human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and international bodies can help raise awareness and potentially lead to protective measures being put in place.

3. Utilize Digital Security Measures:

Given the growing use of surveillance technology by repressive governments, take steps to protect your digital communications. Use encrypted messaging apps, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update your device’s software to minimize the risk of interception or hacking.

4. Seek Legal Support:

Consult with legal professionals who specialize in human rights and international law. They can provide guidance on your rights and legal avenues for seeking justice or protection.

5. Maintain International Advocacy:

Continue to raise awareness about the human rights situation in Tajikistan and the plight of exiled activists and their families. Engage with international media, participate in conferences and events, and leverage social media platforms to share stories and demand accountability from the Tajik government.

6. Develop Emergency Plans:

Prepare emergency plans in case of arrests or threats to personal safety. Establish communication protocols with trusted contacts and have contingency plans in place for relocation or seeking asylum if necessary.

While these measures cannot guarantee absolute protection, they can help mitigate risks and provide a sense of support and security in challenging times. The struggle for human rights and political freedoms in Tajikistan is far from over, but with resilience, solidarity, and international support, exiled activists and their families can continue to fight for a brighter future.

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