DUSHANBE , April 14, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan ’s Democratic Party continues on innocence of its leader Mahmadruzi Iskandarov, who was sentenced to 23 years in jail in October 2005, the DPT deputy head, Rahmatullo Valiyev, announced at a news conference in Dushanbe on April 14.  

Leader of Tajikistan ’s Social-Democratic Party also head of the Law Consortium of Tajikistan Rahmatillo Zoirov speaking to journalists supported Valiyev. 

Mr. Zoirov says the arrest of Mahmadruzi Iskandarov was illegally unfounded.  According to him, they are concerned over the circumstances of the DPT leader’s transfer and arrest in Tajikistan in April 2005.

“A year ago, Mahmadruzi Iskandarov was abducted by Russia special services in the Russian city of Korolyov and transferred to Tajikistan ,” said Rahmatillo Zoirov, “However, during the court proceedings it was noted that Mahmadruzi Iskandarov had allegedly been detained in Tajikistan ,” said Zoirov, “Iskandarov allegedly used false passport and arrived in Dushanbe under the name of Gennady Balain.  If it is really so how could Mr. Balain evade border and customs control at the Domodedovo airport in Moscow ?”  “In other words, I am sure this air ticket was falsified and Mahmadruzi Iskandarov did not arrive in Dushanbe by this air ticket,” the SDPT leader said.   

Rahamtillo Zoirov stressed that in this case, Tajik Prosecutor’s General Office and other services should be called to account for illegal transfer of Iskandarov to Tajikistan .  

“If there are justice and democratic principles in the republic, the case of Mahmadruzi Iskandarov should be reviewed,” the SDPT leader stressed.