Tajik Fighter's Killer Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

A court in Kulob has handed down a 13-year prison sentence to Sulaymon Odinayev, deeming him guilty in connection with the fatal stabbing of Tajik fighter Muhammadali Saidulloyev. The incident, which occurred on the night of January 11, involved a mass brawl that led to Saidulloyev's death and left two other individuals injured.

Odinayev, identified as the main suspect by investigators, was convicted under Article 110(3) of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code for intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm during mass disorder. The court sentenced him to imprisonment in a high-security penal colony. Additionally, Mahmoud Nabiyev, described as Odinayev's friend, received a three-year sentence for hooliganism, while Muhammadjon Zayniddin was sentenced to five years and two months for the same offense, with his sentence including time from a previous suspended conviction.

During the trial, Odinayev reportedly told the court that the conflict originated from a dispute over a mobile phone. He claimed Saidulloyev had taken his phone and refused to return it, later selling it to a third party. Odinayev stated he attempted to retrieve the phone by paying a portion of the cost but was insulted and assaulted, leading him to stab Saidulloyev with a folding knife in an attempt to escape. Odinayev expressed remorse and sought forgiveness from the victim's parents. Proceedings against two other individuals involved in the brawl are ongoing.

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The conflict stemmed from a dispute over a mobile phone. He said Saidulloyev had taken his phone and failed to return it for several days. Odinayev claimed the phone was later sold to a third party for 300 somoni, after which he was asked to pay money to recover it. According to Odinayev, he handed over 100 somoni but, instead of getting the phone back, was insulted and assaulted. He told the court that he stabbed Saidulloyev with a folding knife while trying to break free.