Human Rights Watch calls on Moldova not to extradite Sobir Valiev to Tajikistan

International non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on the Moldovan authorities to refrain from issuing an opposition activist Sobir Valiev to Tajikistan.

In a Monday statement, HRW said that the Moldovan government should not extradite S. Valiyev to Tajikistan, where he can expect torture or cruel treatment.

It is noted that on 11th of August the deputy chairman of the Congress of the constructive forces of Tajikistan Sabir Valiyev on request from the Tajik authorities was detained this year in the Chisinau International Airport before boarding a flight to Istanbul.

The statement stressed that the Tajik authorities accuse Valiyev in extremist activities.

Organization`s human rights defenders believe that the accusation was "politically motivated" and that the activist led "peaceful political activities."

"It is no a secret that there are problems with tortures in Tajikistan and that the authorities from this country actively pursue politicians in opposition, - said the director of HRW of Europe and Central Asia divisions Hugh Williamson. - Moldova has the obligation not to return a person to a country where he may face torture or cruel treatment, and should comply with all its international obligations".

The statement said that the authorities of Tajikistan often use torture to extract confessions.

It is noted that HRW has received numerous credible reports of torture in Tajikistan against people involved in political opposition groups.