KHUJAND, August 16, 2011, Asia-Plus /Mavlouda Rafiyeva/ -- Urunboy Usmonov, a reporter from the BBC’s Central Asia Bureau, is facing trial in Khujand. Urunboy Usmonov faces accusations under two articles of the Criminal Code – article 36 part 5 (types of accomplices, not informing about the crime), article 307, note 3 (participation in activity of political parties, public or religious association, banned in Tajikistan), Deputy Chairman of the Khujand City Court Shodikhon Nazarov, who presides over the trial, told the AP.

According to the judge, Usmonov shares the dock with another four residents of Sughd District who are accused of being members of banned Khizb-ut-Takhrir party.

Abdunabi Abdulkodirov, a 46-year-old resident of Bobojongafurov region, faces accusations under six articles of the Criminal Code: article 187 (organization of criminal association), article 189 (instigation of national, racial or religious enmity) and articles 307, 307 part 1, 307 part 2 and 307 part 3 (organization and participation in extremist organization and public appeals to forced overthrow of constitutional system in Tajikistan and extremist activity).

Jaxekhon Rahmonkhujaev, 26, is accused under article 189 (instigation of national, racial or religious enmity), article 307 (public appeals to force overthrow of constitutional system in Tajikistan).

Talat Mavlonov, 23, and Ibrohimbek Mahmudov, 30, face accusations under article 189 (instigation of national, racial or religious enmity), article 307 note 2 (membership in extremist organization), 187 (organization of criminal group).

Urunboy Usmonov told the AP that the trial was expected to be held at the regional court and he arrived there this morning. “However, I was told that the trial will be held at the #2 temporary detention center,” he said.

While answering the question why Usmonov’s case is considered together with criminal cases brought against other persons accused of being Khizb members, Usmonov’s defense attorney Faizinisso Vokhidova said that these persons have presented evidences against Usmonov.

“However, they refused from their testimonies at the confrontation. And, in principle, they have nothing in common now,” she said.

She has also said that “the trial was transferred to the temporary detention center to limit access to journalists.” “Earlier it was announced that the trial will be opened for the reporters but representatives of our justice system decided to limit access to reporters that way. I’m confident that only relatives of the accused, but not the reporters, will be allowed to enter this closed institution,” she added.