Several individuals connected to the banned Tajik opposition movement Group 24 from Lithuania, Poland, and Türkiye have been disappearing or facing arrests and threats of extradition to Tajikistan. This movement advocates for democratic reforms in Tajikistan, which has labeled it a terrorist organization since October 2014. The Tajik government has been attempting to extradite exiled activists for the past decade, leading to concerns about torture risks and due process violations.
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee are urging Tajikistan to cease its pursuit of critics abroad, particularly those linked to Group 24. The EU and Türkiye are called upon to safeguard opposition activists and prevent their return to Tajikistan, a country known for transnational repression. Recent reports highlight cases of Group 24 members facing targeted actions by the Tajik government, including arrests and extradition requests based on terrorism-related charges.
In specific instances, such as the detention of Sulaimon Davlatov in Lithuania and the disappearances of Nasimjon Sharifov and Sukhrob Zafar in Türkiye, concerns about forced disappearances and potential extraditions to Tajikistan have been raised. In Poland, Komron Khudoydodov faces deportation to Tajikistan after being denied asylum despite seeking refuge due to persecution tied to his sister’s political activities. These cases underscore the need for host countries to ensure fair treatment and protection for individuals associated with Group 24.