Press release: 14 true stories of victims of torture and ill-treatment in Tajikistan

Dear friends, colleagues and partners,

On the eve of the International Human Rights Day, which is annualy celebrated on 10 of December, the Civil Society Coalition against torture and impunity presents to your attention the updated book "Broken destinies, lives taken away..." ^[1],  which tells about the 14 true stories of victims of torture and ill-treatment in Tajikistan.

The book is dedicated to the memories of the relatives talking about their sons and husbands who have suffered violence and arbitrariness in the hands of law enforcement and security structures of the country, about their courage and tenacity. Despite the obstacles and expectations, they believe in justice and seek legal retribution for the perpetrators.

The original idea of book belongs to the Bureau of Human Rights and Rule of Law in Tajikistan. When this book was initially published three years ago, we hoped it will contribute to the effort on prevention the harmful practice of cruel and inhuman treatment. Unfortunately, every year the Coalition against Torture registers new stories of victims of torture and ill-treatment, including young people who died as a result of hazing in the army.

In the present book you can find updated information on the stories that are included in the first edition, as well as six new stories that have taken place in the period 2014-2015.

We strongly believe that joining the global campaign against torture, we will be able to make a significant contribution to the fight against impunity around the world and in our own country.

Starting from 23 November, we will publish one strory per day on our website www.notorturetj.org as well as the Coalition of the pages on Facebook and other social networks. Campaign will be finished by 10 December – the day we will publish the whole book.

Dear friends, you could you can add a comment under the stories, share similar stores that happened to you friends and relatives. Repost of the stories is highly appricieted.