Supreme Court starts considering criminal proceedings instituted against border service spokesman

The Military Board of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan began considering criminal proceedings instituted against Mohammad Ulughkhojayev, a spokesman for the Main Boarder Guard Directorate of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), on July 29.   

A source at the Supreme Court says the trial is being held behind closed doors because the case has been classified as “secret” (Article 305 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code). 

“Ulughkhojayev faces charge of high treason, and therefore, the trial is being held behind closed doors and his defense lawyer does not have the right to disclose details,” the source aid.    

Recall, Ulughkhojayev was arrested by the SCNS officers in April this year for allegedly disclosing classified material to a “foreign organization.”  He reportedly sent “state secrets” in communications via e-mail and online messenger.

Following Uughkhojayev’s arrest, SCNS head Saymumin Yatimov prohibited spokespeople from sharing information with reporters and others without prior authorization from their supervisors.

Under Tajikistan’s law, high treason is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.