THE FATHER OF TAJIK DEMOCRACY HAS PASSED AWAY
Vienna, July 25, 2025
Shodmon Yusuf (Yusupov), the founder of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan, has departed this worldly life.
This prominent political and cultural figure, one of the most distinguished advocates for democratic values and justice in Tajikistan, spent the final years of his life in Vienna, Austria.
Born on August 10, 1949, in the former village of Marxism in the Communist District of the Qurghonteppa region (now the village of Loiq Sherali in Kushoniyon District, Khatlon Province), Shodmon Yusuf graduated from the Faculty of Philology at Saratov State University. He began his career as a lecturer at the pedagogical institutes of Kulob and Dushanbe, later joining the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan as a researcher. He also completed postgraduate studies at the Institute of Philosophy.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, he held senior positions within the party and scientific structures of the republic, including serving as Secretary of the Party Committee at the Academy of Sciences. As Tajikistan underwent political revival, he emerged as one of the founding figures and leading initiators of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan. On August 10, 1990, he was elected the party’s first chairman at its founding congress.
His role during the pivotal events of 1991–1992—marked by crisis and the onset of civil war—was especially significant. As a member of the “National Salvation Front,” he made tireless efforts to seek dialogue and peaceful resolution between the conflicting sides.
In 1994, he joined the Coordinating Committee of the Democratic Party in an attempt to re-register the party, and in 1995, he was once again elected as its chairman. However, shortly thereafter, the party split into two factions, and leadership passed to others.
Despite pressure, persecution, and numerous threats, the late Shodmon Yusuf never strayed from his path or his convictions in democracy, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. In 2001, while living in Austria as a political refugee, he re-registered the Democratic Party of Tajikistan and continued his political activity.
We extend our deepest condolences first to the family and relatives of Shodmon Yusuf, and then to all compatriots and friends who shared his vision and values.
Shodmon Yusuf was not only a political leader, but also a scholar and cultural figure who dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom, justice, and human rights. He was among those who, in moments of historical hardship, did not remain silent, calling for mediation, dialogue, and always thinking with wisdom and foresight.
With deep respect and reverence for this outstanding figure, we offer prayers for patience to his loved ones and mercy for his pure soul.
May his memory be eternal and his soul rest in peace.