The Tajikistan flag.
(Berlin, July 7, 2026) – German authorities have deported a Tajik opposition activist to Tajikistan, intensifying concerns that Germany is not upholding its human rights obligations when making deportation decisions, Human Rights Watch said today. On June 20, 2026, Germany deported Asadullo Boboev and his adult son, Muhammad, to Dushanbe, despite concerns he would be detained and could face mistreatment in detention. Boboev was detained on arrival.
Boboev is the fourth documented case of a Tajik opposition activist deported from Germany since 2023 who has been detained on arrival. The other three men were convicted on unsubstantiated charges and are serving lengthy prison terms.
“Germany is failing to uphold its international obligations to protect those in danger of mistreatment and serious violations of their rights if they are deported,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Boboev’s criticism of the Tajik government made him a clear target, and Germany should investigate why he was deported under those circumstances and press Tajik authorities over his detention.”
Boboev has posted his concerns on his social media and participated in the activities of the Reforms and Development of Tajikistan movement, a platform for exiled Tajik activists and migrants to unite in calling for political and economic reforms in their home country. Boboev and his family arrived in Germany in 2017 and applied for asylum in the same year. The claim was ultimately rejected.
Boboev’s wife, Mastona Faizulloeva, told media that he was placed in pretrial detention immediately upon arrival in Dushanbe; his son was released to his grandmother. Faizulloeva and their two daughters were allowed to remain in Germany.
Based on court materials shared with Human Rights Watch, German authorities took Boboev, 54, and his son,
