Ali the Boxer's mother kidnapped

Generally reliable sources in Tajikistan say gunmen have abducted the family of a well-known opposition commander, Ali Pir-Muhammad, known as Ali the Boxer.

Reports suggest that Mr Pir-Muhammad's mother, wife and daughters were kidnapped from their home in the region of Kofarnihon.

Last week, another opposition fighter was abducted and murdered in Kofarnihon.

Correspondents say the peace process in Tajikistan has reached a critical point, after parliament passed a law rejecting the Islamic Revival Party Hezb-e Nahzat-e Islam.

Most opposition figures are in, or connected to, the party, which has existed in exile for several years.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service