DUSHANBE, June 13, 2013, Asia-Plus – An article by Mirzonabi Kholiqzod and Antoine Blua entitled “Imam''s Home Sex Video Sparks Scandal in Tajikistan” that was posted on the website of Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service on June 12 notes that the future of an imam in Tajikistan is in question after he appeared having sex on video clips posted on the Internet.

The scandal reportedly erupted last week when three video clips appeared on YouTube and Facebook showing a couple involved in sexual activities.

“In one clip a stocky, naked, middle-aged man appears to put a mobile phone on a table or shelf before climbing into bed and having sex with a woman wearing a green head scarf. The face of the man, who has a dark beard, appears clearly,” the article says.

“The videos were removed by YouTube and Facebook within a few hours.  They appeared again for several hours on June 11.

“Law enforcement officers have questioned the imam of a mosque in the village of Bolshevik in Roudaki district, near the capital, Dushanbe, as part of an investigation.

“Local police tell RFE/RL’s Tajik Service that the imam has acknowledged filming himself having sex with his wife on his mobile phone.

“The imam, whose name has not been made public, denied posting the videos and claimed he had lost the phone.

“No criminal case was opened against the imam.

“The Interior Ministry says it wants to know who posted the videos on the Internet as part of the police probe into possible invasion of privacy.

“The story has drawn furious reactions in the Roudaki district and on social networks.”