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Alexander Sodiqov
BornSeptember 17, 1983
Panjakent, Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic, Soviet Union
NationalitySoviet
Tajik
OccupationPhD Student
Known forCaptured and accused of spying, by Tajikistan security officials

Alex Sodiqov, born as Alexander Sodiqov (Tajik: Александр Содиқов; Russian: Александр Cодиков; born September 7, 1983) is a political science PhD student at the University of Toronto, who was apprehended by security officials in Tajikistan on June 16, 2014 and charged with treason and espionage.

Overview

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Sodiqov was born in the town of Panjakent, in northern Tajikistan within the Soviet Union. He graduated from the Russian-Tajik Slavonic University with a degree in international relations and received a master's degree in conflict, development and security from the University of Leeds in 2008. Sodiqov worked for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and UNICEF, and lectured at the Russian-Tajik Slavonic University in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. He also blogged at Tajikistan Monitor and served as Central Asia Editor at Global Voices Online. In 2011, Sodiqov was admitted to the PhD program in political science at the University of Toronto, Canada.[1][2][3]

Arrest and charges

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He returned to Tajikistan with his wife and daughter in June 2014 to work on a research project funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. Under this project, Sodiqov had a contract with the University of Exeter. The project was investigating "the failure of Western approaches to conflict management" in former Soviet republics.[4][5]

On June 15, Sodiqov traveled to Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in eastern Tajikistan, to interview a number of civil society representatives. There had been an outbreak of violence in Khorog in 2012, that was the subject of the study Sodiqov worked on. On June 16, he was apprehended by security officials during an interview with Alim Sherzamonov, the head of the local branch of the Social-Democratic Party of Tajikistan (SDPT), in Khorog. The next day he was transported to the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) office in Dushanbe.[6][7][8]

On June 17, 2014, the SCNS issued a statement, claiming that Sodiqov had been detained for collecting information that "undermined national security". The SCNS alleged that Sodiqov was working for an unnamed "foreign intelligence service".[9][10][11] Within the next several days, Sodiqov appeared at least twice on national television. The heavily edited video aimed at discrediting both him and the opposition politician he had been meeting at the time of his apprehension.[12][13]

Following Sodiqov's detention, the project he had been working on, the University of Exeter, University of Toronto, and UK Economic and Social Research Council made statements confirming that Sodiqov was a scholar under a research contract with the University of Exeter, rather than a spy. They also confirmed that the purpose of Sodiqov's trip to Khorog had been purely academic.[14][15][16]

Despite these reassurances, the SCNS formally charged Sodiqov under Article 305 of Tajikistan's Criminal Code ("High Treason"), which carries a prison sentence of between 12 and 20 years.[17] He was placed in the SCNS pre-trial detention centre on 19 June 2014[18] and his case was classified as "top secret".[19]

International pressure

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Sodiqov's arrest on espionage and treason charges generated international outcry, with many rights groups and watchdogs calling for information, fair treatment and his release. Within days after the scholar was detained, the British ambassador to Tajikistan, the European Union delegation to the country, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media expressed concern about the detention of the scholar and the charges laid against him.[20][21][22] Freedom House demanded immediate information about where and why the scholar was held by the authorities.[23] Human Rights Watch called on Tajikistan to present credible evidence against the scholar or release him immediately.[24] Amnesty International called Sodiqov a "prisoner of conscience" and claimed that charges laid against him were "politically motivated".[25] Reporters Without Borders called for Sodiqov's immediate release, describing charges laid against him as "absurd".[26] The Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), PEN International, and a coalition of over 60 human rights NGOs from across the OSCE region also condemned Sodiqov's arrest and demanded that Tajikistan release him.[27][28][29]

Academic institutions, societies, scholars, and academic freedom groups also organized a campaign to pressure Tajikistan into releasing the scholar and dropping charges against him. The University of Toronto that Sodiqov was affiliated with expressed concern about Sodiqov's detention and requested that Tajikistan resolve the matter with his detention.[30] The department of political science at McGill University issued a similar statement.[31] A number of petitions demanding Sodiqov's release, including one organized by Tajikistani students and alumni of foreign universities and one organized by a group of "concerned scholars," were circulating online.[32][33] The scholar's academic supervisor and other graduate students at the University of Toronto set up a website, www.freealexsodiqov.org, and used social media to disseminate information about Sodiqov's cause, using the hashtag #freealexsodiqov.[34] The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) called on Tajikistan to "immediately release" Sodiqov.[35] Scholars at Risk, an international group comprising over 300 academic institutions in 36 countries, sent a letter to Tajikistan's foreign minister, requesting that the scholar is released.[36] On 23 June 2014, four academic societies (the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies; Association for the Study of Nationalities; Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS); and European Society for Central Asian Studies) representing about 4,500 scholars of Eurasia expressed "strong concern" over Sodiqov's detention and asked the head of Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security to release him.[37] In July 2014, a broader statement from 20 scholarly societies encompassing over 60,000 academics called for Sodiqov's release.[38] Several French and Swiss academic societies supported the statement.[39][40][41]

Although much less is known about international political and diplomatic pressure exerted on Tajikistan to release Sodiqov, that pressure was significant. Shortly after the scholar's arrest, the government of Canada requested that Tajikistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs keep it informed about Sodiqov's case.[42] Canadian and British envoys in Central Asia were also discussing the case with the authorities in Tajikistan.[42] Chrystia Freeland, who was at the time a member of Canadian parliament, said she was concerned about the scholar's detainment and that she was joining efforts to ensure his release.[43] Another Canadian MP, Paul Dewar, sent a letter to Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, requesting information about the Canadian government's efforts to secure the scholar's release.[44] The United States government was also in close contract with Tajikistan about the scholar's case,[45] particularly because the US is the principal provider of training, equipment, and other types of support for the State Committee for National Security that had arrested Sodiqov.[46][47] On July 17, 2014, the US envoy to the OSCE told the organization's permanent council in Vienna that the United States was "deeply concerned" about the scholar's continuing detention.[48]

Sirojiddin Aslov, the then-Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, came under significant political pressure during his official visit to Great Britain in early July 2014. Shortly before the visit, a group of British scholars penned a letter to the United Kingdom's foreign secretary William Hague, describing Sodiqov's arrest as an attack on academic freedom and asking him to call on the Tajik minister to release the scholar.[49] When Aslov arrived in London, Hague did not meet with him.[50] Instead, the-then senior minister of state Baroness Warsi met with the Tajik foreign minister, raising the case of the scholar's arrest with him.[51] The case was also raised at Aslov's meeting with British members of parliament, selected lords and ladies, and academics.[52]

Release

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On 22 July 2014, after more than a month in detention, Sodiqov was released on an understanding not to leave the city or talk to media about his case.[53][54] On August 18, as the initial period of investigation into Sodiqov's case expired, the authorities extended the investigation and announced that the case was still open.[55][56] On September 10, 2014, the scholar was allowed to return to his studies in Canada,[57] although Tajikistan did not drop the charges against him or close the case.[34][58][59][60]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Alexander Sodiqov. Linkedin. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  2. ^ About. Tajikistan Monitor. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  3. ^ Mariya Yanovskaya. "Нашли шпиона. Таджикские спецслужбы показывают класс [They got a spy. Tajik security services show their worth]". Fergana News, 2014-06-19. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  4. ^ "Statement by Dr John Heathershaw regarding detention of Alexander Sodiqov in Khorog", Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2014-07-31.
  5. ^ "Rising Powers and Conflict Management in Central Asia: Project Details" Archived 2014-08-12 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2014-07-31
  6. ^ "Правоохранители ГБАО прервали встречу западного конфликтолога с гражданским обществом Хорога [Security agencies in GBAO did not let a western scholar meet with civil society in Khorog" (in Russian), Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-16. Retrieved 2014-07-31.
  7. ^ "Authorities Detain Tajik Researcher, Whereabouts Uncertain", EurasiaNet, 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  8. ^ Davidson, Terry (18 June 2014). "University of Toronto student arrested in Tajikistan". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  9. ^ Заявление УГКНБ РТ по ГБАО [Statement SCNS RT GBAO] (in Russian). Government of Tajikistan. 2014-06-17. Archived from the original on 2014-06-20.
  10. ^ Ellery Biddle; Lisa Ferguson; Hae-in Lim; Sarah Myers West (2014-06-18). "Netizen Report: Tajikistan Arrests Canadian Student, Partially Blocks YouTube and Google". Slate magazine. Archived from the original on 2014-06-19. The day after his disappearance, Tajik state security officials released a statement confirming that Sodiqov had been detained for carrying out "subversion and espionage" on behalf of a foreign country. On the contrary, as his academic adviser put it, "Alexander is a researcher, not a spy." Supporters are using the hashtag #FreeAlexSodiqov to call for his release.
  11. ^ "УГКНБ по ГБАО: Александр Содиков вел диверсионно-разведывательную работу [SCNS in GBAO: Alexander Sodiqov was involved in subversion and espionage" Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-07-31.
  12. ^ Chris Rickleton (2014-06-19). "Fears grow for Canadian researcher arrested in Tajikistan". The Guardian. Retrieved 2014-06-19. Tajik authorities are said to have paraded University of Toronto researcher Alexander Sodiqov, who disappeared three days ago, on television in an apparent attempt to discredit both him and an opposition politician.
  13. ^ "Александр Содиков появился в эфире хорогского ТВ [Alexander Sodiqov appeared on Khorog TV" (in Russian), Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-19. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  14. ^ "Statement by Dr John Heathershaw regarding detention of Alexander Sodiqov in Khorog", Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  15. ^ "University of Exeter makes statement regarding detention of Alexander Sodiqov in Khorog", Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  16. ^ "ESRC makes statement regarding detention of Alexander Sodiqov", Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-25. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  17. ^ John Heathershaw. "Consequences of the detention of Alexander Sodiqov". Open Democracy, 22 July 2014. Retrieved 2014-07-29
  18. ^ "Александр Содиков переведен в СИЗО ГКНБ в Душанбе (Alexander Sodiqov transferred to SIZO GKNB in Dushanbe)", Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  19. ^ "На дело Содикова наложен гриф «секретно» (Sodiqov's case classified top secret)", Asia-Plus (Dushanbe), 2014-07-04. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  20. ^ "Посол Великобритании озабочен сообщениями о Содикове [Great Britain's Ambassador Concerned About Reports on Sodiqov]". Radio Ozodi. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Tajik Service. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  21. ^ "Local EU Statement on the disappearance of Mr Alexander Sodiqov". Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Tajikistan. 20 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  22. ^ "OSCE media freedom representative concerned about disappearance of blogger in Tajikistan". Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  23. ^ "Tajikistan Must Shed Light on Disappearance of Researcher". Freedom House, 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  24. ^ "Tajikistan: Free or Charge Researcher". Human Rights Watch. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Urgent Action: Academic Held on Politically Motivated Charges" (PDF). Amnesty International. 25 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  26. ^ "Visiting researcher held after interviewing government critic". Reporters Without Borders. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  27. ^ "Condemning the Arrest of Alexander Sodiqov". Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). 19 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  28. ^ "Tajikistan: Blogger and Academic Alexander Sodiqov Reportedly Charged with Treason". PEN International. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  29. ^ "Tajikistan: Immediately release researcher Alexander Sodiqov and drop all charges against him". Article 19. The Civic Solidarity Platform. 3 July 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  30. ^ "Statement about the detention of Alexander Sodiqov". The University of Toronto. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  31. ^ "Statement Concerning the Detention of Alexander Sodiqov" (PDF). Department of Political Science, McGill University. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  32. ^ "Fears grow for Canadian researcher arrested in Tajikistan". The Guardian. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  33. ^ "Statement of concerned scholars regarding Alexander Sodiqov". Asia-Plus. 20 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  34. ^ a b Clibbon, Jennifer (23 September 2014). "How Alexander Sodiqov was freed following espionage charges". CBC News. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  35. ^ "CAUT urges release of U of T researcher detained in Tajikistan". The Canadian Association of University Teachers. 20 June 2014. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  36. ^ "Letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirodjidin Aslov" (PDF). Scholars at Risk Network. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  37. ^ "Statement Regarding the Detention of Academic Researcher Alexander Sodiqov" (PDF). The University of Toronto. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  38. ^ "Statement Concerning the Detention of Academic Researcher Alexander Sodiqov" (PDF). 21 July 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  39. ^ "French Scholars Demand Fair Treatment for Alexander Sodiqov". Registan. 5 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2016-07-01. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  40. ^ "Communique" (PDF). Association des Enseignants et Chercheurs en Science Politique. 1 July 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  41. ^ "In support of Alexander Sodiqov. Researchers at Risk in Central Asia – CASCA meeting on July 1, 2014 Halle/Germany". Halle-Zurich Centre for Anthropological Studies on Central Asia. 4 July 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  42. ^ a b Hammer, Kate (25 June 2014). "U of T student's detention abroad raises issue of schools' responsibilities". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  43. ^ "MP Chrystia Freeland Releases Statement on Alexander Sodiqov's Detainment". Graduate Association of Students in Political Science (GASPS), University of Toronto. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  44. ^ "MP Paul Dewar's Letter to Hon. John Baird, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 27, 2014" (PDF). Department of Political Science, University of Toronto. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  45. ^ Sledge, Matt (27 June 2014). "U.S.-Backed Secret Police Arrest Doctoral Student In Tajikistan". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  46. ^ Kucera, Joshua (26 June 2014). "The Tajiks' Forgotten War". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  47. ^ "Studying Tajikistan turns dangerous: A scholar faces treason charges". The Economist. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  48. ^ "Case of Alexander Sodiqov (As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council Vienna, July 17, 2014)". U.S. Mission to the OSCE. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  49. ^ "Tajikistan must release academic". The Guardian. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  50. ^ "Таджикистан и Британия за объективное расследование дела Содикова [Tajikistan and Britain support impartial investigation into Sodiqov's case]". Radio Ozodi. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Tajik Service. 4 July 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  51. ^ "Tajikistan:Written question - 202904". UK Parliament. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  52. ^ Lemon, Edward (14 July 2014). "Tajikistan: Foreign Minister's UK Visit Overshadowed by Researcher's Arrest". EurasiaNet.org. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  53. ^ "Александр Содиков освобожден из СИЗО [Alexander Sodiqov Freed from Pre-Trial Detention Center]". Asia-Plus. Asia-Plus News Agency. 23 July 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  54. ^ "Tajik spy charge academic Alexander Sodiqov freed". BBC News. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  55. ^ "Александр Содиков уехал в Канаду [Alexander Sodiqov Left to Canada]". Radio Ozodi. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Tajik Service. 12 September 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  56. ^ "Следствие в отношении Содикова не завершено, а сам ученый рискует опоздать на занятия [Sodiqov's Case is Not Closed]". Ozodagon. Ozodagon News Agency. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  57. ^ "Tajik academic returns to Canada". Asia-Plus. Asia-Plus News Agency. 13 September 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  58. ^ "Tajikistan: Alexander Sodiqov allowed to leave Tajikistan; treason charge remains". English PEN. 22 September 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  59. ^ O'Toole, Megan (28 September 2014). "Tajik student freed, but charges linger". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  60. ^ "Alex Sodiqov & Family Arrive to Canada". Massey College in the University of Toronto. 12 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
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