The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Tajikistan.

The EU Delegation to Tajikistan is deeply concerned about the recent arrest and reported beating of Mr Abdurakhim Shukurov, a camera operator for the Ozodagon News Agency.

While welcoming his release from detention, the EU Delegation calls on the Tajik authorities to ensure prompt and thorough investigation of the case so that the perpetrators could be brought to justice.

The EU Delegation urges the Government of Tajikistan to take all necessary measures in line with its international commitments to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional duties free from intimidation.

The EU Delegation expresses its continued readiness to cooperate with the Tajik authorities to support the development of media freedom in Tajikistan.

In Dushanbe on 13 January 2014