Freedom Now and Lawyers for Lawyers strongly condemn the sentencing of Buzurgmehr Yorov on July 10 to an additional ten years in prison on charges of alleged fraud in a joint statement. We call for all charges against Yorov to be dropped and for him to be released from prison unconditionally.
The new charges against Yorov were initiated in early 2023. They are allegedly related to complaints made by a fellow prisoner regarding legal services Yorov promised but did not provide. However, the exact details of the charges are unclear as the trial was largely closed to the public, held in the pre-trial detention facility where Yorov is detained, little evidence was presented to substantiate the allegations, Yorov’s family was unable to participate in the trial other than to give testimony, and Yorov’s defense counsel was ineffective.
The arbitrary extension of prison sentences is a common practice across Central Asia. Prisoners convicted under politically-motivated charges are often the victims of these extensions as authorities use spurious charges, based on vague laws, to silence and intimidate critics of abysmal, life-threatening prison conditions.
Freedom Now and Lawyers for Lawyers also remain deeply concerned about Yorov’s physical well-being and health. Yorov remains at grave risk as he has been subjected to beatings and other forms of torture since his unlawful arrest. He has been physically abused by prison authorities and forced into solitary confinement on multiple occasions for three to 15 days at a time.
Lawyers for Lawyers and Freedom Now are deeply concerned about the safety and health of Yorov and respectfully urge the Government of Tajikistan to:
– Immediately and unconditionally release Yorov; and
– Ensure his safety and health according to international standards
Read full statement here.
