MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province

5.7.2022 - (2022/2753(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Željana Zovko, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, José Manuel Fernandes, Sandra Kalniete, Seán Kelly, David Lega, Traian Băsescu, Adam Jarubas, Vladimír Bilčík, Stelios Kympouropoulos, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Luděk Niedermayer, Janina Ochojska, Stanislav Polčák, Peter Pollák, Jiří Pospíšil, Paulo Rangel, Christian Sagartz, Sara Skyttedal, Michaela Šojdrová, Ivan Štefanec, Vangelis Meimarakis, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima
on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0350/2022

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0359/2022

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province

(2022/2753(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Tajikistan,

 

- having regard to the EUDEL Joint Statement on developments in GBAO of 18 May 2022,

 

- having regard to EU Statement on the latest developments in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan on  26 May 2022,

 

- having regard to the statement of the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues from 20 May 2022, 

- having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas most of the population of GBAO belong to a linguistic and religious minority; whereas the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region  (GBAO) in Tajikistan is traditionally distinguished by its relatively strong and well-developed civil society and nongovernment sector, hence for years remained the region where the government and law enforcement officials had to consider the people's opinion and possible reaction when making political and economic decisions;

B. whereas the protracted conflict in GBAO started in 2012 and continued in 2014  and 2018 when the Tajik government agencies undertook a large-scale military and police “ special” or “anti-terrorist” operation defined by use of violence against civilians (including groups of local informal leaders),detentions, torture and unfair trails; 

C.  whereas the current event started in November 2021 , when a group of law enforcement agents killed Gulbiddin Ziyobekov; whereas the incident lead to widespread protest in Khorugh, with protesters demanding an investigation into the circumstances of Ziyobekov's death, the withdrawal of most of the military stationed in Khorugh, the disman  tling of the military checkpoints in Khorugh, and the removal of the newly appointed Governor Mirzonabotov; whereas gunfire by security forces led to two further civilian casualties and 17 persons were injured;

D.  whereas the mass arrests, trials and repression against local residents continued;

E.  whereas since 14 May 2022, peaceful protests renewed as a result of no effective investigation conducted into the police killings in November 2021; whereas special forces violently dispersed the protesters, resulting in the killing at least one person and  several injured;

F.  whereas the violence spread to other areas of the GBAO, in particular Rushan District, where local residents attempted to block the road to Khorugh with their cars in order to prevent a military convoy from passing; whereas on 18 May 2022 the Ministry of the Interior announced that it would carry out an “anti-terrorist operation” in Rushan district, where all communication was subsequently cut, people were denied the right to leave or enter the district;

 

G.  whereas based on eye witness reports serious violations of human rights have been committed during Vomar crackdown leaving at least 25 residents dead and over 100 arrested; 

 

 H.  whereas GBAO experienced total internet shutdown from November 25, 2021, to March 21, 2022, and from May 15- June 2022 in the aftermath of protests and violent crackdowns by the government forces, depriving the population of the region of their right to access information;

 

I.  whereas against the backdrop of the events in the GBAO, the Tajikistani authorities have

stepped up intimidation of media and civil society; whereas the large-scale brutal crackdown in GBAO happening since November 25, 2021, has led to over 50 civilian deaths and detention/arrest of hundreds residents of GBAO;

1.  Deeply regret the loss of life and strongly condemns excessive use of force and incitement to violence; expresses its condolences to the victims and their families;

2.  Condemns the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms committed by the Tajikistan authorities against protesters, local activist, civil society and media workers of GBAO, including use of lethal force by Tajikistan authorities; 

3. Urges the Government of Tajikistan to respect and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including people’s right to life, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of the media in any security-related operation in this autonomous region;

4.  Calls on the authorities to open investigation related to violent clashes in GBAO in November 2021 and May 2022, including on the death of civilians, alleged acts of torture and arbitrary mass arrests committed by the security forces;

5.  Urges the Government of Tajikistan to engage in a constructive dialogue with protesters residents in GBAO and to ensure that all those prosecuted have access to a lawyer and are provided with fair trials in accordance with international law;

6.  Calls on the Tajiks authorities to stop the political persecution of human rights defenders and influential supporters of the protesters including Manuchehr Kholiknazarov Faromuz Irgashov,  Khursand Mamadshoev as well as Chorshanbe Chorshanbiev and Amriddin Alovatshoyev;

7.  Expresses concern about the  media freedom situation in Tajikistan;  Calls on the Tajiki’s authorities  to stop the political persecution of independent media including Asia Plus, Radio Ozodi and independent journalist Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva and independent bloggers;

8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-Presiden of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the President, Government and Parliament of Tajikistan.