A Tajik activist facing deportation from Germany says he has been given until July 1 to convince a court he would be at risk of arrest if returned to Tajikistan in a case that has intensified fears among exiled members of the country's opposition across Europe.Asadullo Boboev, a member of the Europe-based opposition Reforms and Development of Tajikistan (RDT) movement, has been living in the northwestern German town of Kleve on a temporary residence permit that has now expired.While his wife and two daughters have been allowed to remain in the country, Boboev and his adult son were taken to an immigration detention center on June 8 and face expulsion, the activist told RFE/RL.President Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled Tajikistan with an iron fist since 1992, has pursued a harsh crackdown on political opponents. His government has banned the country's two main opposition forces -- the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) and the Group 24 movement -- labeling both as terrorist organizations.Many Tajik opposition officials, members, and supporters are languishing in prison while dozens of others have left the country.Speaking by phone from the detention facility, Boboev, 54, said Tajik authorities have launched a criminal case against him on extremism charges, an accusation frequently used by Dushanbe against its political opponents and critics.In Tajikistan, Boboev was active on social media, frequently making anti-government posts."The [German] court has given me until July 1 to prove that I would be at risk if returned to Tajikistan," said Boboev, who left Tajikistan in 2017.
As Tajik Activist Faces German Deportation, Exiles Fear They're Next
The detention of a Tajik activist in Germany and the threat of his expulsion have sent shockwaves through opposition circles in exile, reviving fears of the dangers that await activists forced to return home.
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