A Tajik cameraman was released on December 26 after being detained for a day following protests by local media organizations. 

Abdurahim Shukurov, who works for independent news website, Ozodagon, was beaten by policemen and arrested on December 25 while filming outside a courtroom, where a leading opposition figure was being sentenced to a lengthy prison term.

RFE/RL’s Tajik Service reports that Shukurov had initially been placed under arrest for seven days.

Police also briefly detained several relatives and supporters of the jailed opposition figure and businessman Zayd Saidov.

They were later released after paying fines.

Saidov was sentenced to 26 years in prison on charges, including financial fraud, polygamy, and sexual relations with a minor.

He denies the charges and says they are politically motivated.

— RFE/RL’s Tajik Service