Tajikistan: Further information: Tajikistani academic returns to Canada: Alexander Sodiqov
Tajikistani PhD student Alexander Sodiqov has safely returned to Toronto, Canada, where he will continue his studies.
Further information on UA: 157/14 Index: EUR 60/007/2014 Tajikistan Date: 12 September 2014
URGENT ACTION
TAJIKISTANI ACADEMIC RETURNS TO CANADA
Tajikistani PhD student Alexander Sodiqov has safely returned to Toronto, Canada,
where he will continue his studies.
On 10 September, Alexander Sodiqov flew to Toronto from Dushanbe, Tajikistan. His wife and daughter joined
him on 12 September. The Tajikistani authorities responded positively to a request from Alexander Sodiqov to
allow him to return to Canada and continue his university studies. The investigation into the criminal case against
Alexander Sodiqov is still ongoing in Tajikistan.
Alexander Sodiqov is a PhD student at the University of Toronto and was detained on 16 June while conducting a
research interview. He was held in connection with investigations into a charge of “high treason” under Article 305
of the Criminal Code (punishable by 12 to 20 years’ imprisonment). Alexander Sodiqov was considered by
Amnesty International a prisoner of conscience who was detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of
expression, as he had been undertaking legitimate academic research intended for publication.
No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals. Amnesty
International will continue to monitor this case and take further action as necessary.
This is the fourth update of UA 157/14. Further information: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/EUR60/006/2014/en
Name: Alexander Sodiqov
Gender m/f: m
Further information on UA: 157/14 Index: EUR 60/007/2014 Issue Date: 12 September 2014