The Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit) has appealed to the Prosecutor General's Office and the Supreme Court, requesting a review of the case of Tajik journalist Ahmad Ibrohim, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison two weeks ago.

Ahmad Ibrohim, the editor-in-chief of the Kulob-based weekly Payk, was initially detained last summer on charges of bribery. Later, he was accused of several other offenses, including extremism.

On January 10 of this year, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

"Due to the revelation and publication of new circumstances in Ahmad Ibrohim’s criminal case, it must be reviewed," Nansmit stated in an appeal published on the organization's website on January 24.

The appeal, signed by Nansmit chairman Nouriddin Qarshiboyev and addressed to the aforementioned agencies, emphasizes that "Ahmad Ibrohim's appeal to Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) Speaker Rustam Emomali, a series of reports by Radio Ozodi, and the response of international organizations defending journalists’ rights necessitate a review of his verdict."

Citing statements made by President Emomali Rahmon during a meeting with judges, the association’s chairman notes:

“Unfortunately, some judges show negligence in reviewing cases, fail to provide an accurate legal assessment of evidence, and do not comprehensively examine circumstances relevant to the case.”

“"Such shortcomings may have occurred during the investigation of Ahmad Ibrohim's case.  Therefore, we respectfully request the Prosecutor General's Office, as the highest oversight body, and the Supreme Court of Tajikistan to thoroughly investigate the rumors and new circumstances surrounding Ahmad Ibrohim’s criminal case.  This is to ensure the rule of law and justice for the citizen and journalist, in line with the principle of the presumption of innocence," the appeal concludes.

In a statement released on January 14, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns using the judicial system to silence dissenting voices and calls for the immediate release of  Ahmad Ibrohim and the seven other journalists imprisoned in the country.

“The arbitrary sentencing of Ahmad Ibrohim to ten years in prison is a death sentence for independent journalism in Khatlon, one of Tajikistan's four provinces.  This sentence — the result of an opaque trial with no right to defense — is yet another display of the Tajik authorities’ determination to muzzle the last bastions of the independent press.  RSF calls for the immediate release of Ahmad Ibrohim and the other journalists imprisoned in Tajikistan,” says Jeanne Cavelier, Head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk.

Recall, a closed-door court hearing for Tajik journalist Ahmad Ibrahim, founder and editor-in-chief of Payk weekly, the only independent newspaper in Khatlon province, began in November last year.

During the investigation, approximately 100 current and former officials who transferred funds to Payk's bank account over the past five years have been questioned and about 20 of them have been summoned to the court.

"Investigators attempted to uncover ‘criminal circumstances’ in Ahmad Ibrahim’s financial dealings with these individuals.  However, most stated that they had legally subscribed to Payk and purchased his book to support cultural activities," Radio Ozodi reported.

Sources reportedly indicate that the prosecution alleges extortion by the journalist, though formal complaints against him have been minimal. 

One local official reported on November 20 that he was pressured to testify against Ahmad Ibrahim in court.

Ahmad Ibrahim denied the accusations, calling them defamatory.

Friends and colleagues of the journalist believe the accusation is retaliation by officials angered by his critical articles.

Ahmad Ibrohim, aged 62, founded Payk weekly in 2012.  Despite being the only independent weekly in Khatlon province, the newspaper has faced numerous challenges over the past decade.  There were periods when Payk was sued for critical articles, and its publication was sometimes suspended due to financial difficulties.

In 2014, the regional prosecutor's office suspended the paper, citing its failure to renew its registration within the required five-month period, during which it continued publishing without authorization.  The prosecution fined the newspaper 400 somonis for violating the law.

International organizations have expressed concern for Ibrohim’s fate.