[3] Technically, he formed part of the government opposition, but he worked closely with President Rahmon, spending time with him during meetings and trips.
On 25 December 2013 Zayd Saidov received a sentence of 26 years imprisonment for his alleged engagement in financial fraud, polygamy, and sexual relations with a minor.
[8] Steve Swerdlow, Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch stated, "Saidov's conviction starkly illustrates that the Tajik government will neither accept criticism nor the role of opposition parties in a democratic society,".
[8] He went on to say that "the criminal investigation against Zaid Saidov has been marred by serious due process violations and an unmistakable attempt by authorities to deprive him of the right to defend himself,".
[12] Freedom Now submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council pertaining to the case in advance of Tajikistan's Universal Periodic Review in March 2021.