On November 25, 2021, Gulbiddin Ziyobekov, a brave young man, athlete, and social activist, was tragically martyred as a result of the brutal violence inflicted by authorities. On the anniversary of this painful tragedy, the Tajik Youth for the Revival of Tajikistan extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and to the people of Badakhshan. At the same time, we wish to highlight several important points for the Tajik nation, human rights organizations, and the international community:
Gulbiddin Ziyobekov was killed solely for defending the dignity and rights of a young Badakhshani woman who had been subjected to sexual harassment by a police officer. With remarkable courage, Ziyobekov questioned the illegal actions of the security officer, which provoked the wrath of the authorities. As a result, he was brutally tortured and killed. His actions stand as an extraordinary example of resilience in the pursuit of truth and justice.
Beyond his role as a defender of human rights, Gulbiddin Ziyobekov was a genuine patriot. He demonstrated his willingness to defend the nation’s borders during the border conflicts between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Archived footage shows his unwavering determination and sincerity in preparing to protect Tajikistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The heinous killing of Gulbiddin sparked widespread outrage, prompting four days of peaceful protests in the streets of Khorog. Protesters demanded accountability from the government for those responsible for his murder. However, the regime of Emomali Rahmon, in its autocratic nature, not only ignored the people’s calls for justice but responded with armed attacks against them. Consequently, dozens of civilians were killed, and over 150 social activists were arrested and imprisoned.
The actions of the authorities in the killing of Gulbiddin Ziyobekov and the suppression of peaceful protesters were illegal, inhumane, and in direct violation of all principles of international law. This event became a symbol of the oppression of Tajikistan’s authoritarian regime and the government’s failure to uphold the rights of its citizens.
The Tajik Youth for the Revival of Tajikistan calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and global powers to investigate this human and political tragedy and to hold the government of Tajikistan accountable for these unlawful acts. Ensuring justice is not only the right of the late Gulbiddin Ziyobekov but also the right of the entire Tajik nation, which continues to suffer under the pressure of a repressive regime.
The memory of Gulbiddin Ziyobekov will forever remain with us, and the fight for justice will continue.
Respectfully,
Tajik Youth for the Revival of Tajikistan
