Tajik Court Shuts Down Civil-Society Group

KHUJAND, Tajikistan -- A court in Tajikistan's northern city of Khujand has shut down a human rights group, saying it operated without a proper license.

Junaid Ibodov, a lawyer for the Amparo group, told RFE/RL that the case was politically motivated.

Tajikistan's Justice Ministry filed a lawsuit against Amparo, saying it failed to timely show its address change at the ministry.

Amparo was founded by about 30 young Tajik lawyers in 2005.

It monitors human rights violations, torture allegations, and the rights of Tajik Army soldiers.

It also helps local citizens to learn more about their rights through conferences and online discussions.

The association has often been cited by the UN Human Rights Commission.

Amparo leaders say they will appeal the court's decision.

http://www.rferl.org/content/tajikistan-shuts-down-rights-group/24749874.html

Date: 24.10.2012