Zarina Yunusova says that she was hastily deported in order to prevent a thorough investigation of Umarali's death. His father, Rustam Nazarov, has remained in Russia, awaiting results of an investigation. Russian officials initially said the child died in the hospital after suffering respiratory problems. The parents have challenged this, insisting the boy was healthy. RFE/RL photographer Petr Shelomovskiy visited Yunusova after her return to her hometown of Obigarm, Tajikistan.
After Son's Death, Deportation, A Mother Mourns In Tajikistan
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Zarina Yunusova in the living room of her parents' house in the town of Obigarm in Tajikistan.
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Zarina stares from the kitchen door as her brother returns from the barn.
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Zarina Yunusova and her family in the living room of their house.
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Zarina's mother washes grapes.