By 2011, the Rakibov family from Fayzabad District of Tajikistan found themselves without adequate housing after their house was demolished and nearly two years of attempts to resolve the problem. The story gained widespread attention following publications by Asia-Plus. Readers began collecting money and goods for the family, authorities allocated land to the Rakibovs, and construction of a new house began for them.
House Demolition
The Rakibov family’s house was located in the kishlak of Zarkamaar in Fayzabad District. In June 2009, district authorities made a decision to demolish it. Part of the house was destroyed, and the family had to relocate to the remaining structure.
According to the head of the family, Atovullo Rakibov, the authorities cited the district plan as the reason for demolition: a rural road was supposed to pass through the territory to reach several houses. Rakibov himself claimed that the necessity of demolition was questionable and that he had documents confirming his right to use the land.
At that time, Rakibov was working in Russia. Upon learning of the demolition, he returned home and spent more than a year trying to resolve the issue through various authorities.
In September 2010, a commission created by decision of local authorities arrived for the final demolition of the remaining dwelling. Rakibov, his wife, and two sisters were there.
The man attempted to stop the work. After this, the district police department opened a criminal case under the article on hooliganism. According to law enforcement, Atovullo Rakibov broke the excavator’s window.
The family found itself in a difficult situation: five children, virtually no housing, and now a criminal case as well.
In January 2011, the Rakibovs came to Dushanbe and spent two days with their small children outside the Ombudsman’s office, trying to arrange a meeting with the Human Rights Commissioner.
Help from Readers
In March 2011, the trial in Rakibov’s case began. On April 13, he was taken into custody. During this period, the family’s story received widespread media coverage.
Following Asia-Plus publications, readers began contacting the editorial office wanting to help the Rakibovs. In the comments, people offered to collect money for the family, provide clothing and other necessary items. One reader urged the editorial office to act as an intermediary in collecting aid, since not everyone could travel to Fayzabad independently.
One of the first to help was Asia-Plus reader Azim Ishmatov. After a phone conversation with the family, he decided to support the Rakibov family and transferred one thousand somoni to the editorial office.
Other people joined the campaign. Asia-Plus journalists personally delivered money, food, and children’s clothing to the family’s relatives.
Meanwhile, the trial continued. 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. After the verdict was announced, Rakibov was released from custody in the courtroom.
New House
In May 2011, the Fayzabad authorities informed Asia-Plus that the land issue for the family had been resolved. The Rakibovs were allocated 8 acres in their own kishlak. In addition, the authorities decided to preserve the family’s orchard, which was located on the site of their former home.
In early July, construction of a new four-room house for the family began in Fayzabad. Thanks to the assistance provided, the necessary building materials were purchased. The house was completed before winter arrived, and the family welcomed the season in their new home.
