Tajikistan Expels 250 Afghan Families; Activists Cite Safety Concerns Upon Return

Tajik authorities have expelled 250 Afghan families from the country, a move that has prompted warnings from deported human rights activists regarding their safety. The mass deportation followed the arrest of a 22-year-old Afghan asylum seeker who is accused of killing a 27-year-old Tajik woman in late April.

Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the arrest and announced that the deportation of the families was carried out on 15 Thawr. Officials stated that the security operation was initiated in response to the criminal investigation surrounding the homicide.

Among those forced to leave are several Afghan civil society members who fled the country after the Taliban takeover. These individuals stated that returning to Afghanistan endangers their lives due to their previous involvement in protests against Taliban policies. They emphasized that their public advocacy has made them targets for potential retaliation.

In addition to security concerns, the expelled families reported facing immediate economic hardship upon their return. Many noted the lack of employment opportunities and the difficulty of securing basic necessities in the current environment. The deportations highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan nationals seeking refuge in neighboring states, as host countries balance domestic security concerns with international asylum obligations. The Ministry of Internal Affairs did not provide further details on the legal proceedings for the suspect. Meanwhile, the expelled activists have called for international attention to their situation, stressing that their forced repatriation leaves them vulnerable to both political persecution and financial instability.