DUSHANBE, April 12, 2014, Asia-Plus – An alleged rape victim has filed a lawsuit against one of defense lawyer of former ex-Minister of Industry of Tajikistan Zayd Saidov, demanding 200,000 somoni in compensation for moral damages.

Ms. Mohira Boborajabova, who accused controversial Tajik tycoon Zayd Saidov of rape, filed the lawsuit against one of Saidov’s defense lawyers, Shuhrat Qudratov, in a court in Dushanbe’s Firdavsi district noting that Qudratov allegedly spread false information about her through Internet.  She demands a compensation of 200,000 somoni for moral damages.

Judge Bakhtiyor Abdurahmonzoda says she also submitted audio tape, on which “Qudratov is very uncomplimentary about the young woman,” to the court.

We will recall that the Supreme Court sentenced Zayd Saidov, who is the leader of Tajikistan''s unregistered New Tajikistan party, to 26 years in prison and confiscation of property on December 25.  The sentence followed his conviction on charges of financial fraud, polygamy, and sexual relations with a minor.  The court also imposed an 80,000-smoni fine and stripped Zayd Saidov of all previous state honors and awards.  Zayd Saidov is also barred from doing business for five years after release.

Saidov''s supporters say the case against him was politically motivated.