Tajik special service releases scientist accused of espionage with travel restrictions

DUSHANBE. July 23 (Interfax) - A Tajik scientist studying conflicts, Toronto University student Alexander Sadykov, who was accused of treason and espionage, has been released with travel restrictions.

"I am in Dushanbe with my family," Sadykov told reporters on Wednesday.

"The investigation continues. In response to our requests the law enforcement authorities have decided to change the detention restrictions. I was released from the detention facility yesterday. Now we await the end of the investigation," the scientist said.

On June 16 Sadykov was detained by employees of the State National Security Committee in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province in eastern Tajikistan on suspicion of espionage. Human rights activists and Tajik students studying abroad said that they supported the scientist and that Sadykov could not be involved in espionage and his meetings with activists of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province civil society could in no way be espionage-related. The scientist's colleagues said he studied a recent conflict in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province and the role of civil society activists in the conflict.

Between June 23 and July 22 scientists in 12 cities around the world held rallies called 'Scientists in Danger in Central Asia: The Arrest of Alexander Sadykov.'

"I was assured that the investigation regarding me is being held professionally and without bias. I hope that this is how it will proceed," Sadykov said having added his detention conditions were good.

Sadykov is a Tajik citizen, however in the past years he lived and worked in Canada where he holds residence permit. Many western universities, where he worked, the EU office in Tajikistan and international human rights organizations said they supported the scientist. The Tajik authorities do not on Sadykov's arrest and the State National Security Committee issued only one statement following his detention.