More than 20 people die in clashes between ethnic Pamiris and police in Gorno-Badakhshan
Tajik authorities describe their action as an “anti-terrorism” operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters’ rights and media freedom.
Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The United Nations yesterday expressed concern following clashes between ethnic Pamiri protesters and Tajik police in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
According to some reports (in Tajikistan, freedom of the press is severely limited), the number of dead stood at between 21 and 25, including one police officer.
The Pamiris are one of the few voices of opposition to the regime of President Emomali Rahmon, who has led Tajikistan since it gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Between 1991 and 1996, Gorno-Badakhshan took part in the country’s civil war, and saw the participation of local ethnic Pamiris and Islamic extremist groups.
Tajik authorities launched what they call a "counter-terrorism" operation after hundreds of residents in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, took to the streets demanding the release of protesters arrested last November.
The demonstrators also called for the resignation of the local mayor and the region’s governor.
The situation worsened after police killed 29-year-old Zamir Nazrishoev on 16 May.
On May 19, EU, US, French, British and German diplomats called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid the excessive use of force.
For its part, Human Rights Watch called on the Tajik government to respect and protect the rights of citizens and media freedom during any security operation in Gorno-Badakhshan.
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12/06/2021 14:56
09/03/2018 16:33
