From One Room to a New Home: How Asia-Plus Coverage Helped the Rakibov Family

In 2011, the Rakibov family from Fayzabad District had almost no home and faced a criminal case after years of trying to challenge the demolition of their house. Their situation changed after Asia-Plus published reports that drew help from readers and action from local authorities.

District authorities had ordered the family’s house in the village of Zarkamaar demolished in June 2009. They said a rural road needed to pass through the property to reach several homes. Atovullo Rakibov disputed the need for the demolition and said he held documents confirming his right to use the land. Part of the house was destroyed, leaving the family in the remaining structure while Rakibov, who had been working in Russia, returned home to seek a solution.

In September 2010, a local commission arrived to demolish the rest of the dwelling. Rakibov tried to stop the work, and police later opened a hooliganism case, alleging that he had broken an excavator window. The family included five children. In January 2011, Rakibov, his wife and two sisters went to Dushanbe and spent two days outside the Ombudsman’s office, seeking a meeting with the Human Rights Commissioner.

As his trial began in March and he was taken into custody on April 13, the family’s story attracted widespread attention. Asia-Plus readers offered money, clothing and other necessities. Reader Azim Ishmatov transferred 1,000 somoni to the editorial office, and other supporters joined him. Asia-Plus journalists delivered money, food and children’s clothing to the family’s relatives.

Authorities eventually allocated land to the Rakibovs, and construction of a new house began. At the end of April, the Fayzabad District court sentenced Atovullo Rakibov to one year of probation. His wife and two sisters received the same sentence.