KHUJAND, May 22, Asia-Plus  -- The military court at the Khujand garrison has acquitted a soldier of one of military units of the Ministry of Defense (MoD), who has been charged with desertion.

The Khujand military court ruled that the 24-year-old Hamdamjon Kuziboyev is not guilty of the charge he faces and be released.  

Speaking in an interview with Asia -Plus, Justice Muslim Khudoiberdiyev said that Kuziboyev, who is resident of the settlement of Adrasmon, was called up for military service on April 30, 2002.   “Kuziboyev faced charge of desertion,” said the judge.   “On August 19, 2002, he left his military service and returned home and then left for Russia seeking better employment opportunities.”  

The Dushanbe military prosecutor’s office instituted criminal proceedings and his name was put on a list of police-wanted persons.   He was detained on February 20 this year.        

“Kuziboyev has been absent without leave five years, six months one day,” said Khudoiberdiyev, “Kuziboyev was found not guilty because he was not 18 when he was called up for military service; moreover, he is the only son and the draft does not affect him, and therefore, the court acquitted him.”