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.

Deputy Tajik Military Prosecutor, Yusuf Rahmonov, acts a prosecutor in the Mirzoyev’s trial.  Ahmadjon Sharipov, Aide to the General-Prosecutor, and Jamshed Abdumajidov, Aide to the Tajik Military Prosecutor, are also representing the prosecution in the trial. 

Together with Ghaffor Mirzoyev, 15 other people are also in the dock, and 18 lawyers are representing them in the lawsuit.  

“I can say with confidence that the trial will not finish this month because the case materials include some 100 volumes,” Mizroyev’s defense lawyer said, stressing that the large amount of witnesses were involved.    

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. 

            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.