Open Letter to
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States of America
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
On behalf of the Movement for Reforms and Development of Tajikistan, the Youth for the Revival of Tajikistan organization, and the Movement of Tajik Reformists, we express our profound gratitude for your decisive stance and your contribution to the release of political prisoners in Belarus. This became a vivid demonstration of the United States’ global leadership in defending freedom and human dignity.
Ahead of your meeting on November 6 with the President of Tajikistan and the leaders of the Central Asian states, we respectfully appeal to you to:
• raise the issue of systemic political repression in Tajikistan;
• call for the immediate release of Tajik political prisoners;
• support the launch of an international dialogue aimed at a peaceful and inclusive political process in the country.
Tajikistan is experiencing a profound political and humanitarian crisis. Over three decades of authoritarian rule, the republic has been transformed into a space defined by absolute state control, fear, and persecution.
Thousands of citizens have faced political repression; hundreds have been subjected to torture and enforced disappearance. More than 8,500 political prisoners — including journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, religious leaders, civic activists, and members of democratic opposition movements — remain incarcerated. Among them are women, elderly individuals, and family members of opposition figures, punished solely for their familial ties.
Deaths in custody, systematic torture, denial of medical care, and degrading treatment have become routine. The elimination of political competition and the destruction of civil society fuel radicalization, posing a direct threat to regional security, including the interests of the United States and its allies.
Ignoring this crisis risks destabilizing Central Asia, strengthening violent extremism, and forfeiting strategic influence in a region where authoritarian powers are already actively competing.
Mr. President,
Your voice and leadership have the power to save thousands of lives and to support the people of Tajikistan in their pursuit of freedom and justice. We sincerely hope that during the upcoming meeting you will urge Emomali Rahmon to release political prisoners and initiate a dialogue grounded in international law and respect for human rights.
With deepest respect,
Sharofiddin Gadoev
Chairman, Movement for Reforms and Development of Tajikistan
Amsterdam, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Ubaydullo Saidi
Chairman, Youth for the Revival of Tajikistan
London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Muhammadikboli Sadriddin
Chairman, Movement of Tajik Reformists
Paris, French Republic
03 November 2025
