DUSHANBE , January 16, Asia-Plus -- The trial of Ghaffor Mirzoyev, former commander of Tajikistan ’s Presidential Guards and former head of the country’s Drug Control Agency (DCA), is continuing behind closed doors at the Security Ministry-run pretrial detention facility, Asia-Plus has learned from Abduqayum Yusufov, defense lawyer of Ghaffor Mirzoyev.

As it had been reported earlier the trail of Ghaffor Mirzoyev began on January 11 but it was adjourned until January 16 after some technical issues emerged.  Together with Ghaffor Mirzoyev, 15 other people are also in the dock.  

            Ghaffor Mirzoyev, who was arrested on August 6, 2004 , faces 34 charges that include embezzlement and attempting to mount a coup.  Mirzoyev maintains his innocence.