Hot News 2005

August 15

Tolibov’s last word

On August 13, 2005, Center-Asia.ru website reported on the convicted Djumaboi Tolibov, saying the last word at court of Shahristan district, Soghdiy region. The report was prepared by Marat Mamadshoyev, who had followed the criminal proceedings from the beginning.

Djumaboi Tolibov repeated again that he was sentenced for a number of articles, published in the republican newspapers. “The reason I was arrested is publications in Minbari Khalk newspaper (Tajikistan National Democratic Party’s newspaper), that were entitled “Who is backing the prosecutor-scrupper” and in Sadoi mardum (Parliament’s newspaper) entitled “Who is going to protect us?” Azamov, Aininsk district prosecutor, persecuted me all the time and watched every my move since the articles had been published. He met with all people that I ever criticized, trying to find a reason to charge me with anything. And he knew I tried to avoid such mistakes.”

On July 28, Tolibov was sentenced to two years in prison and deprived of the right to hold state offices within a year following the end of his term. The convicted journalist and his attorney appealed to the Soghdiy Regional Court Panel, but so far it has not been considered.

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