Tajik authorities succeeded in repatriating 120 citizens from Syria and Iraq in 2015 - Prosecutor General
MOSCOW. Feb 9 (Interfax) - A total of 120 citizens were repatriated to Tajikistan from Syria and Iraq last year, Tajik Prosecutor General Yusuf Rahmon Ahmadzod told the press on Monday.
"As a result of preventive measures, 78 citizens of the country and their families (wives and children) together, totaling 42 people, were repatriated to Tajikistan from Syria and Iraq," he said.
"These individuals will be thoroughly screened for participation [in terrorist organizations], for committing any crimes in the territory of Tajikistan," he said adding that "only after that it will be decided to exempt them from criminal persecution."
The expenses for the repatriation of Tajik citizens from Syria are covered by the state.
Previously, the Tajik authorities announced that there were over 500 Tajik nationals fighting in ISIL ranks in Syria and Iraq.
They announced that if Tajik citizens involved in hostilities in Syria return to their homeland voluntarily and repent, they will be relieved of criminal responsibility.
