BBC reporter appeals Khujand court’s decision

DUSHANBE, October 27, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Mr. Urunboy Usmonov, a BBC reporter in the Tajik northern Sughd province, and his defense lawyer, Ms. Fayzinisso Vohidova, have appealed the verdict passed by the Khujand city court on Urunboy Usmonov on October 14.

“Though Urunboy Usmonov was released in the courtroom, we do not agree with the verdict, because it is the verdict of “guilty,” said the lawyer, “Meanwhile, we demanded to acquit Urunboy Usmonov because the charges against him are related to his professional activities.”

Vohidova, however, doubts that the superior instances will make an unbiased decision.  According to her, if the appeals court of the Supreme Court upholds the verdict passed by the Khujand court they will appeal to international judicial bodies.

We will recall that Urunboy Usmonov has been sentenced to three years imprisonment -- but set free under an amnesty law.

On October 14, the Khujand city court found his guilty of failing to inform the authorities about his contacts with the outlawed extremist religious Hizb ut-Tahrir group and sentenced him to three years in prison.  But Usmonov was set free under the amnesty law.  The journalist denied the charges brought against him.

The journalist and his employer maintain that any contact Usmonov had with Hizb ut-Tahrir was entirely for journalistic purposes.

Four other men were tried along with Usmonov in the Khujand city court. The men were found guilty of Hizb ut-Tahrir membership and were given prison sentences ranging between 20 and 22 years.

Usmonov's arrest on June 13 was condemned by international media and rights advocates as a censorship attempt.  The reporter's relatives said he was beaten while in custody.  Usmonov was released on bail a month after his arrest pending the trial.