Zubaidullohi Rozik
A prominent activist of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT). Zubaidullohi Rozik was a member of the Political Council and Presidium of the IRPT (banned in Tajikistan since 2015), head of the party’s Science Department, editor-in-chief of its publication Najot, and a former imam of the Gozimalik district mosque.
Died in prison
Charged under articles of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code, including article 187 part 1 (Organization of a criminal association) and part 2 (Participation in a criminal association), 189 part 3 paragraph “a” (incitement of social, racial, national, regional, religious (confessional) enmity or discord committed by an organized group), 307 (Public calls for violent change of the constitutional order of the Republic of Tajikistan), part 3 – committed on the instructions of hostile organizations or representatives of foreign states, 131 part 3 paragraph “a” (Illegal imprisonment committed by an organized group), 32 – 309 part 2 paragraph “b” (Preparation of sabotage committed by an organized group), 199 (Stealing of weapons, ammunitions, explosives and explosive mechanisms, part 4 paragraphs “a” – by an organized group, “b” – using violence dangerous for life or health, or along with threat of using such a violence, “c” – using by an individual his official position, 104 (Murder) part 2 paragraphs “a” – of two or more individuals, “b” – of an individual or his relatives in connection with the performance of official duties, or fulfillment the civil or public duty, “g” – committed in the manner which exposes to danger the lives of other people, “h” – committed by a criminal organization, “i” – with mercenary motive, or by hiring, “l” – with the goal of hiding another crime, or facilitate the commitment of another crime; “m” – on the ground of national, racial, religious, locality hatred or hostility, as well as vendetta; “p” – committed by an especially dangerous recidivist, or by an individual previously convicted of murder, 32 part 3 – 104 (Attempted murder) part 2 paragraphs “a” – of two or more individuals, “b” – of an individual or his relatives in connection with the performance of official duties, or fulfillment the civil or public duty, “g” – committed in the manner which exposes to danger the lives of other people, “h” – committed by a criminal organization, “h” – committed by a criminal organization, “i” – with mercenary motive, or by hiring, “l” – with the goal of hiding another crime, or facilitate the commitment of another crime; “m” – oon the ground of national, racial, religious, locality hatred or hostility, as well as vendetta; “n” – committed by an especially dangerous recidivist, or by an individual previously convicted of murder,179 (Terrorism) part 3 paragraph “a” – committed by an organized group, 306 (Forcible seizure of power or forcible retention of power), 313 (Armed rebellion), 307 (1) part 1 (Public calls to extremist activity and public justification of extremism), 170 (Poligamy)
Despite lack of evidence to support the claim, the IRPT was accused of plotting a coup and collaborating with General Nazarzoda. Rozik along with other IRPT leaders were charged with terrorism, armed rebellion, murder, public appeals to “violent change of the constitutional order,” incitement to racial and religious hatred, and organization of a criminal group. The court hearing against IRPT leaders started on February 9, 2016. The trial took place in the SCNS pre-trial detention facility in Dushanbe and was closed to the public. On June 2, 2016, he was found guilty and was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment.
“Kirpichny” maximum-security correctional colony in Vahdat
Despite his advanced age and deteriorating health, Rozik was subjected to repeated torture and ill-treatment, including placement in punishment cells. In September 2022, Rozik was placed in a disciplinary cell for a 15-day term as punishment for providing religious education to fellow inmates. His condition reportedly worsened after he and other imprisoned IRPT members addressed an open letter to President Emomali Rahmon, declaring their innocence and demanding a review of their cases. An 80-year-old Zubaidullohi Rozik died on September 24, 2025.
