Permission denied for independent Nerui Sukhan newspaper to recommence publishing. Security services arrested 6 alleged members of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in connection with April murder of 2 state investigators. Trial began of former opposition field commander Yoribek Ibrohimov, former lieutenant of imprisoned Democratic Party chief Mahmadruzi Iskandarov.

Bomb exploded outside Emergencies Ministry building and major bank in Dushanbe 13 June, causing minor injuries. Similar explosion took place in January in same location. Motivation behind bombings unknown. Pressure on opposition parties continued, with arrest of 2 members of Islamic Renaissance Party, jailing of 2 members of Social Democratic Party for “hooliganism”, and sentencing of senior Taraqqiyot Party official to nearly 6 years in prison for insulting president and inciting conflict. Transfer of Tajik-Afghan border from Russian to Tajik control completed 14 June.

Opposition parties protested alleged fraud in February elections, suspending participation in Public Council advisory body. Pressure on civil society continued, with denial of registration to independent media and increasing scrutiny of activities of foreign embassies, international organisations and NGOs. Court in northern city of Khujand sentenced accused members of Islamic radical group “Bay'at”.

Media and civil society remained under pressure: government suspended operations of 2 independent newspapers and television station, and passed law requiring foreign embassies and international organisations to provide advance notice of meetings with civil society, political parties, or media. In Moscow, Russian authorities released Tajik opposition leader Mahmadruzi Iskandarov despite extradition request from Tajik prosecutor-general on terrorism and embezzlement charges, citing inadequate evidence. But Iskandarov then arrested in Dushanbe after reportedly being abducted from Russia and brought back to Tajikistan.

Four opposition parties filed complaint with Central Election Commission claiming violations in February parliamentary elections. According to Commission, President Rakhmonov’s National Democratic Party received 74% of vote, and 52 of 63 seats in lower house of parliament.

Parliamentary elections tainted by widespread malpractice and opposition complaints of voter intimidation. Central Election Commission estimated President Rakhmonov's National Democratic Party won about 80% of vote. OSCE said elections did not meet international standards.

Tensions increased in Tajikistan. Authorities barred 2 opposition leaders, Mahmadruzi Iskandarov and Sulton Quvvatov, from running in 27 February parliamentary elections, further strengthening grip of President Rakhmonov’s People’s Democratic Party. Divided opposition expected to receive only tiny fraction of votes. Car bomb exploded 31 January in capital, Dushanbe, outside emergencies ministry, killing driver and injuring several bystanders; U.S. embassy had warned of potential attacks against Americans. Rakhmonov removed several high-ranking officials by decree.

Opposition leader Mamadruzi Iskandarov, head of Democratic Party of Tajikistan and former chief of state gas company, arrested in Moscow 9 December on extradition warrant. Tajik prosecutor said charges include corruption, murder and terrorism. Opposition claimed move intimidation tactic ahead of February parliamentary elections.

Government continued to pressure independent Ruzi Nav newspaper, seizing copies of latest issue after it arrived in Dushanbe from printing house in Kyrgyzstan, ostensibly because of tax violations. Closed trial of former pro-government warlord Yoqub Salimov on treason charges began 23 November.

Ruzi Nav newspaper said would seek printing house in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan after government closure of Tajik printer for tax violations left several independent papers without printing facilities. Independent press under increasing pressure in Tajikistan. Russian and Tajik presidents signed agreement officially opening military base for Russia’s 201st Motorised Rifle Division, which has been in Tajikistan since 1989.