The first amnestied prisoners are being released.  More than 500 inmates of the Dushanbe-based  penal colony No 7 were released on October 28.  Among them is the 35-year-old resident of Farkhor district (Khatlon province) Bahrom Rahmonov.

He has reportedly served 3 years on charges of membership in the banned Safi Group.  His prison term has been shortened by 1 ½ years.

Father of three, Bahrom Rahmonov had been engaged in entrepreneurship and he wants to get back to this business. 

“I never imagined that I would be set free soon.  It’s the President’s concern that we saw freedom again,” Rahmonov told Asia-Plus in an interview.  

“God willing, I'll be back to my children and continue doing business,” Rahmonov said. 

This amnesty is said to be the largest in Tajikistan’s post-independence history and it is expected to extend to more than 20,000 people.