The Khatlon military court has sentenced Sergeant Siddiq Sadulloyev to 13 years in prison, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service known locally as Radio Ozodi, reported on April 10.

The sentenced reportedly followed his conviction on charges of abusing office and abusing power.  He will serve his jail term in a high-security penal colony.

The court's ruling was nearly identical to the prosecution's earlier demand for the prison term of a 14 years and eight months,

The trial reportedly took place last week in military unit 0507 of the Boarder Guard Main Directorate of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) located in Mir-Ali-Hamadoni district.

Sergeant Siddiq Sadulloyev brutally beat Private soldier Mirali Boqiyev.

Private soldier Mirali Boqiyev.

The incident reported took place at the checkpoint in Farkhor district, Khatlon province on January 17, 2022.  The sergeant hit the soldier twice; one the blows was in the heart area that led to the death of the soldier.  

The father of Mirali Boqiyev, Keldiyor Boqiyev, has said in an interview with Radio Ozodi that he is satisfied with the court’ ruling but he is dissatisfied with the fact that two officers, who did not prevent the tragedy, remained unpunished.

Military service is unpopular in Tajikistan, as conscripts often complain of poor conditions and bullying.  There are regular reports of recruiting officers bundling men into vans at markets and street corners.