In 2025, Tajikistan witnessed an alarming escalation in government repression. Eight former officials were sentenced for conspiracy following a secret trial, while a journalist was charged with treason for his reporting. Additionally, the OSCE withdrew its election monitoring due to a lack of assurances from authorities, reflecting the country’s deteriorating human rights situation.
Tajikistan has consistently been highlighted by Freedom House as one of the world’s leading violators of human rights. In 2025, however, the government intensified its repression. Notably, eight former officials and opposition leaders were sentenced in a secret trial for allegedly attempting a coup, receiving severe prison sentences. Additionally, a journalist faced treason charges due to his reporting on local sentiments regarding Chinese influence in Tajikistan. Furthermore, the OSCE declined to monitor the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 2, 2025, citing lack of proper accreditation guarantees from Tajik authorities.
Bruce Pannier hosts a discussion on these developments in Tajikistan alongside notable guests: Muhamadjon Kabirov, editor of Azda.tv, Edward Lemon, president of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, and rights lawyer Steve Swerdlow, who is also an associate professor at USC. These experts offer insights into the country’s political landscape amid escalating repression and constraints on civil liberties.
The stark rise in political repression in Tajikistan, especially in 2025, underscores a troubling trend towards authoritarianism. With the convictions of political leaders and harsh penalties imposed on journalists, the landscape for free expression and political dissent has significantly deteriorated. The refusal of the OSCE to observe the upcoming elections further indicates a lack of democratic standards in the country. These developments highlight the urgency of international attention to human rights in Tajikistan.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
