Belarus refuses to extradite opposition activist and journalist to Tajikistan

AKIPRESS.COM - Belarus authorities decided not to extradite opposition activist and journalist Rahod Odinaev to Tajikistan, where he wanted on suspicion of participation in activities of banned organization and support of extremism. The Belarus human rights watchdog Human Constanta said on November 5 the General Prosecutor's Office denied the request of Tajik authorities to extradite 42-year old Odinaev. Belarus is likely to deport Odinaev to the country he arrived from - Russia.
Migration authorities of Belarus detained Odinaev at the request of Tajikistan on September 25, when he was heading to Warsaw to attend the human rights conference.
In October Human Constanta said in case of extradition Odinaev may face tortures and cruel treatment.
Odinaev, a citizen of Tajikistan and Russia, used to be member of the Party of Islamic Renaissance of Tajikistan, which is prohibited in the country now. He headed the opposition Moscow-based TV channel Safo TV for several months in 2013. The channel was closed by the Russian authorities in 2013.
11 international human rights organizations have urged Belarus not to extradite Odinaev to Tajikistan.