A 44-year-old woman from Vahdat Township, Shohida Mahmadjonova, who disappeared after visiting the Vahdat police station on February 3 reappeared on February 8 after the Interior Ministry said that criminal proceedings were instituted against her under the provisions of Article 307 (2) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code – organizing activities of an extremist organization.

If convicted, Shohida Mahmadjonova could face up to twelve years in prison. 

Media reports had previously said that Shohida Mahmadjonova, the mother of wanted blogger Sherzod Mahmadjonov, disappeared on February 3 after visiting the Vahdat police station.

Sherzod Mahmadjonov, who now lives in Germany, has repeatedly criticized the government for targeting hijab-clad women.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry says he is not a blogger or an opposition figure and he is wanted for  extremist and terrorist crimes.