The driver responsible for the fatal accident that claimed the life of 16-year-old Jasour Akramov has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.  The ruling was delivered by a court in Dushanbe’s Sino district on June 13, following a series of hearings into the case.

The victim's father, Firdavs Akramov, informed Asia-Plus of the verdict.  According to the court’s decision, the defendant, Bahrullo Yusufzoda, was found guilty under Article 212 (4) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code -- violating traffic regulations resulting in a fatality.

Details of the incident

The tragic incident occurred on Bobojon-Ghafourov Street in Dushanbe on April 3 this year.  Jasour Akramov was struck by a Lexus vehicle driven by Bahrullo Yusufzoda and sustained critical injuries.  He died en route to the hospital.

During the trial, Yusufzoda admitted guilt and did not dispute the charges against him.  The court also revealed disturbing details: the defendant had previously been penalized for drug use and had his driver’s license revoked, yet he continued to operate a vehicle.

Further investigation showed that Yusufzoda had changed his surname after being deported from Russia and had made attempts to re-enter the country.

Father’s search for justice

Throughout the proceedings, Jasour’s father took an active role, providing testimony and questioning the defendant.  He recalled asking Yusufzoda why he did not swerve the car to avoid hitting his son.  The defendant replied: “If I had turned to the right, I would’ve damaged the car by colliding with another one.”

Prior to the trial, Akramov wrote a public letter on Facebook addressed to the President of Tajikistan, the Mayor of Dushanbe, and the Prosecutor General, pleading for the case to be placed under personal oversight.

In the letter, he voiced concerns that justice might be obstructed due to the alleged influence of the driver’s father, who is reportedly a police officer. Despite circulating rumors that “everything would be settled,” Akramov expressed unwavering faith in the rule of law and hope for justice.

“I appeal to the President not only as the head of state,” he wrote, “but as a fellow father — with pain in my heart, in desperation, with one last hope.”

The stance of Yusufzoda’s family and defense attorney, Yusuf Bahrullo, on the sentencing has not yet been made public.