All political parties officially functioning in Tajikistan, except the Social-Democratic Party (SDP), have accused the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe of double standards.

In a joint statement released on October 10, the People’s Democratic Party, the Communist Party, the Socialist Party, the Democratic Party, the Agrarian Party and the Party of Economic Reforms condemn an incident that took place during the OSCE conference in Warsaw on September 19.

Leaders of the mentioned parties, in particular, consider that tribunes of such important events should not be given to supporters of extremist and terrorist organizations, noting that Group 24 and the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan have been designated in Tajikistan as terrorist organizations.

As partner of Tajikistan, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe should not allow violation of peace and accord in our country and should not use double standard policy, the statement says.

Tajikistan’s political parties call on the OSCE to expand cooperation with the country’s civil society. 

Recall that some 20 Tajik opposition and rights activists residing in Europe on September 19 entered the OSCE conference in Warsaw when the human rights situation in Tajikistan was being discussed.  They held a silent protest.  The protesters wore T-shirts with portraits of Tajik opposition politicians and lawyers who were jailed in the country in recent months.  Human rights groups have called the cases politically motivated.