In February a Dushanbe appeals court released from prison Abdusamad Ziyoev and Muhsiddin Muhiddinov, respectively the brother and associate of Mirzo Ziyoev, a former commander of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO) and a former emergency situations minister, who was killed in mysterious circumstances in July 2009 (September 2009, The political scene). Another 27 relatives and associates of Mr Ziyoev saw their prison terms reduced by up to eight years, although the sentences of another 21 were upheld. The 50 individuals had originally received prison sentences from the Supreme Court of 10-30 years, including two who received life imprisonment, on a variety of charges including conspiracy to overthrow the constitutional order, trafficking in drugs and membership of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). Two other former opposition commanders, Fathullo Khayriddinov (also known as Eshoni Daroz) and Nazar Youmuhammadov, were also released from prison and given lighter sentences of community service.

In addition, in March the southern provincial prosecutor's office in Qurghonteppa announced that four women accused of belonging to the banned Islamic movement Jamoati Tabligh, who had been in prison since 2010, were given amnesty and released. A US embassy cable from February 2010 released in December referred to the Jamoati Tabligh members as "harmless missionaries". Given the ubiquitous corruption within the Tajik judicial system, there has been wide speculation that the amnesties and lighter sentences were issued in exchange for bribes.