DUSHANBE, February 9, 2015, Asia-Plus - A jailed Tajik businessman, Zayd Saidov, reportedly demands an open trail of new charges brought against him.

Ishoq Tabarov, a defense lawyer for Zayd Saidov, says an appropriate application was lodged to the Supreme Court of Tajikistan on February 6.

“The trial of the new case against Zayd Saidov will begin on February 12.  The new case consisting of 75 volumes includes forgery, abuse of office, embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion,” Tabarov said.

The new criminal case against the jailed Tajik businessman was moved to a court in Dushanbe last month.

The anticorruption agency brought new charges against Zayd Saidov, including embezzlement or misappropriation of funds and forgery of documents, in July last year.

We will recall that Zayd Saidov, 56, was sentenced to 26 years'' imprisonment on December 25, 2013 after being convicted of financial fraud, polygamy, and sexual relations with a minor.

Zayd Saidov maintains innocence and his supporters say the case against Zayd Saidov was politically motivated.