Emomali Rahmon Addressed Military Personnel

On September 7, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in a military parade dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s State Independence, which took place at Istiqlol Square in Dushanbe.

According to state media, the parade was attended by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Chairman of the Majlisi Milli, Mayor of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali, heads of state agencies, representatives of law enforcement and security agencies, and more than 27,000 military personnel.

It is reported that during his speech, Emomali Rahmon called on military personnel and officers to strictly observe military regulations and improve their professionalism.

“Therefore, compliance with the law and the requirements of military regulations, constant improvement of the level of professionalism, responsibility, devotion to the Motherland, the state and the people of Tajikistan are the most important and sacred duties of every officer and soldier,” the president stated.

The president’s statement comes amid heated debates surrounding hazing among military personnel, which has led to the deaths of some soldiers. According to media reports and human rights defenders, at least 7 military personnel have died for various reasons over the past year.

Just a few days ago, the body of 19-year-old serviceman Solekh Fayziev was brought from Rudaki district, where he had been sent to participate in this year’s parade, and handed over to his parents. His relatives reported that the serviceman’s body was brought home, but no information was provided about the cause of his death. According to them, he was sent along with a group of other military personnel to Rudaki district to participate in marches in honor of the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence.

Earlier in May of this year, Emomali Rahmon, following the deaths of several officers of the country’s Armed Forces, also ordered serious measures to be taken to ensure “order, compliance with military regulations, and prevention of offenses in military units.”

However, it appears that the “instructions and orders” remain only on paper, and no serious changes are taking place.

Human rights defenders believe that hazing among military personnel, cruel treatment, and beatings in many military units may be the main factors in the deaths of servicemen or drive them to suicide.