The outlawing of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IPRT) as a terrorist organisation by the Tajik government this week adds a further restriction on the freedom of political expression and on pluralism in the country. This is a trend that has been observed since the March 2015 parliamentary elections. The decision to ban any political party from political competition must be open to legal review.

In light of violent clashes in Tajikistan in early September 2015, the EU reiterates its opposition to the use of violence against institutions of the Tajik state. Even in the pursuit of security operations, however, the Tajik government must guarantee the fundamental freedoms of all Tajik citizens and uphold the rule of law.