We talked with the relatives of some of them and found out which of them would be released before the rest.
After the adoption of the amnesty law, the sentence of most journalists in prison will be reduced by three years. According to relatives of one of the journalists, it is possible that the first Tajik journalist-prisoner will be released as early as next month.
The authorities have still not officially announced when they will begin to release amnestied prisoners.
Law “On Amnesty” was adopted by deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli of Tajikistan on June 16, 2026, signed by President Emomali Rahmon on the same day and published a few days later in the Sadoi Mardum newspaper.
According to this law, within two months, 18 thousand 38 convicts will be released, most of whom are serving their sentences in prisons, or their sentences will be reduced.
Over the past few years, several journalists and bloggers have been jailed on various charges in Tajikistan.
Who will have their sentence reduced and by how many years?
Relatives of several imprisoned Tajik journalists, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to us that the sentences of their loved ones had been reduced.
In particular, one of the relatives Rukhshona Khakimovaa Tajik journalist, said: “Her sentence was reduced by 3 years.”
Rukhshona was charged under Article 305 (Treason), part 2, and on February 5, 2025, she was sentenced to 8 years in prison. On the same day, she was taken into custody right in the courtroom. She has been in prison for almost 1.5 years, and taking into account the three years of amnesty, she now has more than 3.5 years left to serve.
According to relatives Abdullo Gurbatihis term was also reduced by 3 years. One of his relatives said: “Gurbati signed the amnesty documents and will be released on December 16, 2026.”
He was detained on June 15, 2022, and later charged under Article 328 Part 1 (Use of violence against a government official), 330 part 1 (Insulting a government official) and 307 part 2 point 3 (Organization of an extremist community) and was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison.
One of the relatives Dalera Emomalia Tajik blogger, reported that his prison term was also reduced by 3 years.
Daler was detained on June 15, 2022, and later charged under articles 259 part 1 (Illegal business), 346 part 1 point “A” (Knowingly false denunciation) and 307 part 2 point 3 (Organization of an extremist community) and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
He has been in prison for 4 years, and given the three years of amnesty, he will most likely be released in 3 years and 4 months.
Term Zavkibeka Saidamini was also reduced by 3 years. One of his relatives told Asia-Plus: “Zavkibek signed the amnesty documents and, taking into account the years spent in prison, will be released on July 18 this year.”
Saidamini was detained on July 8, 2022, and on November 3, 2022, charged under Article 307, part 2, paragraph 3 (Organization of an extremist community), and sentenced to 7 years in prison.
Fate Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda remains unclear. He was detained on July 9, 2022 and on December 26 of the same year he was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
He was also convicted under Article 307, but under its additional part 1 (Public calls for extremist activities and public justification of extremism). If an amnesty is applied, he will probably also be released next month.
Term Khursheda Fozilova will also be reduced by 3 years. One of the journalist’s relatives said: “During the conversation, Khurshed hinted that his sentence would most likely be reduced by 3 years.”
He was detained in March 2023 and on May 26 of the same year was charged under Article 307, part 2, paragraph “d” and sentenced to 7 years in prison. He has now been in prison for 3 years, and taking into account the three years of amnesty, he will most likely be released in less than a year.
According to relatives Ulfathonim Mamadshoevathey do not yet know anything about whether the amnesty will be applied to her.
A criminal case was opened against Mamadshoeva under eight articles of the Criminal Code, including she was charged under Art. 307 (Public calls for a violent change of the constitutional order) to 21 years of imprisonment in early December 2022.
Asia-Plus was unable to contact relatives Ahmadi Ibrohima. He was detained in August 2024 and on January 10, 2025, charged under articles 250 part 2 (Extortion), 307 note 1 part 2 and 320 part 2 (Giving a bribe) and sentenced to 10 years and 4 months in prison.
