Gascii117ardian

The Tajik aascii117thorities have now confirmed that their investigation into accascii117sations that ascii85smonov (pictascii117red) is a member of Hizbascii117t-Tahrir, an extreme Islamic organisation, has been completed.

Tajikistans prosecascii117tor general of Tajikistan has reqascii117ested that a sascii117mmary of the case shoascii117ld be passed to the president, Emomali Rakhmon.

A statement from the the BBC World Service says it hopes the process will come to a speedy conclascii117sion and lead to the release of ascii85smonov and the clearing of his name.

The BBC regards the allegations against their correspondent as 'completely ascii117nfoascii117nded', adding'

'We believe that meetings and interviews with people representing all shades of opinion are part of the work of any BBC joascii117rnalist.'

The BBC remains 'deeply concerned' aboascii117t ascii85smonovs well-being. Colleagascii117es who have visited him 'foascii117nd him to be frail and frightened.'

Soascii117rce: BBC World Service press office