An activist of an organization banned in Tajikistan disappeared in Nizhny Novgorod

Shobudin Badalov, an activist of the Group 24 movement banned in Tajikistan, disappeared in Nizhny Novgorod. On September 1, the security forces came to his work and, according to eyewitnesses, took the man to the police department. This was told to OVD-Info by his lawyer Kirill Zharinov.

On the morning of September 1, people who introduced themselves as police officers arrived at the construction site where Badalov works. According to eyewitnesses, some of them were in uniform, some were not. The activist was allegedly taken to Police Department No. 5, but he could not be found there, nor in special detention centers, nor in other services and departments.

“Apparently, it was a targeted action. We believe that this may be a kidnapping, organized by the special services of Tajikistan or Russia, for his wrongful expulsion. We don’t have evidence yet, but the circumstances point to this, ”said Zharinov.

Badalov was put on the wanted list by the authorities of Tajikistan in connection with his involvement in the "Group 24". Members of the "Group" are in favor of changes in the domestic policy of the republic: democratization, the fight against corruption, the release of political prisoners and the observance of human rights. On the territory of the republic, the organization is recognized as extremist. An acquaintance of Badalov told OVD-Info that his comrade was charged with part 2 of article 307 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan - participation in an extremist community.

Badalov was detained in Russia a year ago. Then the security forces did not find corpus delicti in the actions of the activist under Russian law and released him. After that, lawyers from the Rights to Asylum organization helped him obtain temporary asylum until the end of August this year.

In July this year, Badalov was again detained during a picket on Red Square. He and his friend opposed the participation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in the parade dedicated to the victory in World War II. After that, the activist's temporary shelter was cancelled. Lawyer Zharinov sees a direct connection in these events.

Lawyers helped Badalov draw up complaints against the decision of the migration department - the complaints were supposed to protect him from expulsion. According to the lawyer, in connection with the coronavirus, according to the presidential decree, deportations are also prohibited, therefore, “according to the law, he was not in danger.”