On 3 May, Tajik media professional celebrated the International Free Press Day in Dushanbe and Khujand

These cultural events were organized by the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan, National Association of Independent Media, Tajikistan (NANSMIT), and other media organizations. Authorities of Sughd province, the Youth Center in Khujand, the Tajik branch of Open Society Institute, and the OSCE Center in Dushanbe also helped in organizing the vents.

Among thematic events, there was a round table discussion on the topic “Freedom of speech and problems of information security in Tajikistan”. Nuriddin Karshibayev, chairman of NANSMIT says that the situation in the sphere of freedom of expression can be characterized as stagnation. Referring to the principles of the national information security, the authorities create impediments for the development of free press. Participants of the discussion stressed that freedom of expression cannot pose any threats to the information security; on the contrary, is helps saturate the information space.

At the round table, NANSMIT presented its original publications: “Monitoring of Freedom of Speech and Media in Tajikistan in 2006” and “Rights of journalists: questions and answers”.

NANSMIT, Monitoring Service

The board of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan congratulated Tajik journalists on the International Free Press Day

The appeal of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan (DPT) says in particular that “establishment of freedom for the media is one of the strategic goals in the program of DPT”.

“Another confirmation to that is the creation of newspaper “Adolat”, and publishing of this outlet abroad in the conditions when the Communist Party ruled the country, — says the appeal. – We have had famous journalists in our ranks: Imomnazari Kholnazar, Saidkosimi Kiyompour, Shavkati Rajabiyon, Olimi Zarobek, Abdurofe Rabizoda, Shakhriyai Adhamzod, Abdulvokhidi Alamkhon, Jovid Mukim, Nasimi Narzullo, Odil Islomi, Makhmadali Saidov, Bekhruzi Zabekhullo, Mashrabi Abdullo, Sadriddin Khasanzoda, Rajabi Mirzo, Faizi Mirasan, Angurshoi Angursho, Shojamoli Shojamol, and many others”.

The DPT board noted that the party will always remember those who were killed during the years of the civil war.

The Party officials also mentioned in their appeal that the Free Press Day coincides with the birthday of Makhmadruzi Iskandarov, the leader of DPT who was imprisoned by the current regime. On this day, the Party celebrates “The Open Day” inviting any visitors.

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On 3 May, the Khatlon province administration convened a meeting in the city of Kurgan-Tube to discuss the issues of celebrating the forthcoming National Unity Day

The administration invited journalists to attend the meeting of the steering committee. However, right after the beginning of the meeting, deputy prime minister of the country, Ms. Rukiya Kurbanova asked the journalists to leave the premises.

The journalists themselves interpreted the behavior of the high-ranked official as “a certain gift for the International Free Press Day”.

NANSMIT, Monitoring Service

An international public association of Persian-language Media “Dilafrouz” registered in Tajikistan on the eve of the Free Press Day

According to Adolati Mirzo, one of the founders of the new agency, the main goal of the association is protection of rights of journalists writing in Persian language working in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the CIS.

The idea to create such organization was voiced a year ago in Dushanbe, at the Forum of Persian-language Journalists. More than 60 media professionals from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Uzbekistan took part in that event and created the association, which now is officially registered as an international public organization.

NANSMIT Monitoring Service

On 3 May, the Union of Journalists and NANSMIT announced the winners of the contest for media professionals “Looking for the truth”

Ekaterina Kozhevnikova, correspondent of the Asia Plus weekly is the winner in the category “The best analytical article”. The best analyst on social issues is Kironsho Sharifzoda, editor of the Jomea weekly. And the winner in the category “The best political analysis” is Abdufattokh Vokhidov, correspondent of the Millat newspaper.

The winners in the category “Professional Courage” are Khamraguli Kodir from the Millat newspaper, and Jamila Khuseinova from Cxharkhi Ghardun.

there were special nominations in the contest. Daler Gufronov, correspondent of Asia Plus is acknowledged the best in the category of “Investigative Journalism”. Newspaper Farazh was acknowledged the best for its innovative professional approach.

The best regional newspaper is the Sughd weekly Varorud (Khujand city); and the best outlets for children are the newspaper Anboz and the magazine Oftobak.

The contest was dedicated to the International Free Press Day

NANSMIT