DUSHANBE, July 29, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- To declare amnesty on the threshold of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan and the 20th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence is a work of mercy, known Tajik politician and religious leader Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda said in an interview with Asia-Plus Friday afternoon.

“I have not yet fully familiarized myself with the document but I welcome this step of the Tajik authorities,” Mr. Turajonzoda noted.

“I hope that people convicted of religious beliefs and political prisoners such as Mahmadruzi Iskandarov, Yoqub Salimov and Ghaffor Mirzoyev will also be released under this amnesty,” he stated.

He also considers that hundreds of former Tajik United Oppositions (UTO) supporters who are still in prison or wanted by the authorities under the pretext of committing crimes should also be granted amnesty.

Turajonzoda also welcomes the authorities’ decision to grant amnesty to followers of renegade Colonel Mahmoud Khudoiberdiyev.

“Such measures will promote further strengthening of peace and stability in the country,” Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda stressed.