REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS / REPORTERS SANS FRONTIÈRES

Press release: http://en.rsf.org/tajikistan-authorities-urged-to-abandon-25-02-2011,39632.html

Communiqué de presse : http://fr.rsf.org/tadjikistan-la-campagne-de-pressions-contre-25-02-2011,39631.html

28/02/11

TAJIKISTAN

GROWING REPRESSION

Authorities urged to abandon campaign of harassment of independent media
Reporters Without Borders reiterates its concern about the worsening situation of the Tajik media, which has been detailed by the National Association of Independent Mass Media in Tajikistan (NANSMIT) in a report of its press freedom monitoring in 2010.

Independent media and journalists have been subjected to constant pressure for more than six months and ten media prosecutions are currently under way.

NANSMIT said in its report that it registered 58 cases of direct violations of the rights of journalists and media in 2010 and 52 cases of conflicts involving journalists and media or accusations being brought against them.

The report notes that the government launched a major crackdown on independent media in September because of their coverage of an attack on a military convoy in the eastern Rasht valley. Many news websites were blocked and the independent weeklies Faraj, Negah and Paykhon were prevented from printing.

The authorities are now using a range of methods in an attempt to control the media, including informal and financial pressure, an increase in the number of defamation suits and arbitrary arrest.

Earlier this month, the prosecutor-general summoned Paykhon’s editor and demanded to know the sources for an article published in its 1 February issue. When the editor refused to name the sources, the prosecutor-general told him that the newspaper would henceforth have to submit each article prior to publication.

The weekly Millat was fined 1,500 somoni (250 euros) on 8 February for alleging defaming the agriculture minister in an article that quoted the National Anti-Corruption Agency and several legislators as saying his ministry was “the most corrupt entity in Tajikistan.”

At the same time, the head of the Organized Crime Control Department (UBOP) has brought a libel suit against the newspaper Asia Plus. The case was due to be heard yesterday but was postponed until 10 March to allow more time to examine the relevant documents.

A ban on street sales of newspapers and an income tax increase last month has meanwhile threatened the financial survival of Tajikistan’s independent weeklies. The impossibility of bringing out issues during the month of September had already cost them dearly and brought them closer to bankruptcy.

In another sign of growing repression, Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov, the correspondent of the newspapers Nuri Zindagi and Istikol in the northern province of Sughd, has been held since 23 November over an article about alleged corrupt and irregular practices in the regional prosecutor’s office.

Charged with libel, insulting an official, inciting religious and racial hatred and blackmail, Ismoilov will remain in detention until he is tried, the judicial authorities have said. No date has so far been set for the trial. When he saw his lawyer on 18 February, he told her that he had signed a statement under duress in which he waived his right to be defended by a lawyer at his trial.

NANSMIT said the detention of a reporter in connection with his work had set a very disturbing precedent for Tajik journalism and raised many questions about the government’s intentions towards independent media.

Reporters Without Borders is alarmed by the tougher line that the government has been taking with critical news media for than six months. It violates their rights and poses a serious threat to media pluralism in Tajikistan. The combination of economic, political and judicial harassment could end up bankrupting many of these media.

Reporters Without Borders urges the authorities to stop these press freedom violations and to release Ismoilov as a signal of their determination to do so.

http://en.rsf.org/tajikistan-authorities-urged-to-abandon-25-02-2011,39632.html

In February 2011 the NANSMIT Monitoring Service received 23 reports. Four of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of socio-legal and political environment; fourteen reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals; and five reports describe conflicts and accusations against the media and journalists.

I. POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL CLIMATE IN THE COUNTRY DEFINING THE FACTUAL SITUATION IN THE MEDIA

1. Public speeches and statements of superior officials defining the factual situation in the mass media

February 24
Mirzoshokhrukh Asrori, Minister of Culture, Dushanbe

Speaking at the round table “Development of the freedom of speech during the 20 years of Tajikistan’s independence”, the Tajik Minister of Culture Mirzoshokhrukh Asrori said that “there is no such level of the freedom of speech in many countries of the region as it is in Tajikistan”.

The Minister said that, regardless of numerous violations of the legislation by many media, the government creates no impediments for their free functioning.

February 24
Akbarali Sattorov, chairman of the Tajik Union of Journalists, Dushanbe

The chairman of the Tajik Union of Journalists suggested to establish fines for journalists who violate the standards of Tajik language. This suggestion was made at the round table “Development of the freedom of speech during the 20 years of Tajikistan’s independence”.

Sattorov said that journalists often use the language of “rednecks” and unnecessary foreign words although the words with the same meaning are available in Tajik language.

2. Journalists protecting their civil and professional rights

February 8
All media, Dushanbe

The Tajik Union of Journalists, the National Association of Independent Mass Media, the Media Alliance of Tajikistan and the Indem Foundation published a joint statement expressing concern about the attack against Khikmatullo Saifullozoda, the editor of the Najot weekly (printing body of the Islamic Renaissance Party).

The media organizations require a thorough investigation from the law enforcement agencies.

“The reasons for the attack are unknown, but in democratic society, the attempt upon life or health of a journalist or a public person, as well as any other citizen is not acceptable. This is a grave crime and the assailants must be severely punished”, — says the statement.

“Certain experts see a relation between Saifullozoda’s journalistic activities and the attack. The media organizations are ready to conduct their own investigation and to assist the law enforcement agencies”, — the statement says.

February 19
All media, Kulyab, Khatlon province

On 18 and 19 February, The British Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) held a seminar in the city of Kulyab in Khatlon province on the topic “International standards of journalism and manufacturing of analytical radio packages”.

The main goals of this training are to strengthen practical skills among young journalists and ensure sustainable media coverage of social, political and economic developments in the region.

II. VIOLATION OF PROFESSIONAL RIGHTS

1. Impediments to professional activities

February 3
Ramziya Mirzobekova, correspondent, Asia Plus weekly, Dushanbe

The correspondent of the Azia Plus weekly, Ramziya Mirzobekova has been repeatedly summoned to the office of the prosecutor general after her publication “Investigation or inquisition?” (21.12.2010).

The prosecutor general’s officials do not clarify the status of the journalist, but they do not allow the newspaper’s lawyer to take part in interviews, which look more like interrogations.

In her article, Mirzobekova told about the facts of cruel treatment of people in custody by the police. On 25 January 2011, Azia Plus received a copy of the notice of claim from Anvar Tagoimurodov, the head of the Unit on Countering Organized Crime under the Ministry of Interior, saying that the publication defames the dignity and reputation of the the law enforcement agency. Tagoimurodov claims 1 million Somoni (more than $200 thousand) as a moral compensation.

The prosecutor general’s assistant, Rajabali Yuldashev demanded from Mirzobekova to give the names of the anonymous sources who shared the information used in her article.

The journalist refused to give the names referring to Article 29 of the Law “On printing and other mass media” protecting persons who share information with the media, except for requirements of the court.

The editor of Asia Plus Marat Mamadshoev told the NANSMIT monitoring service that Mirzobekova has stopped communicating with the prosecutor general’s officials on the insistence of the editorial board.

February 10
Juma Tolib, Bureau of Linguistic Expertise, Dushanbe

Juma Tolib, director of the Bureau of Linguistic Expertise and Journalistic Investigations and the editor of the Paykon weekly told the NANSMIT monitoring service that the Ministry of Justice demands to close this public organization. On 10 February, the Firdausi district court in Dushanbe held a hearing on the legal action of the Ministry of Justice against the Bureau.

Tolib says that the main reason for the persecution of his organization is the criticism of the authorities in articles published in the Paykon weekly.

2. Attack on journalist

February 7
Khikmatullo Saifullozoda, editor of the Najot weekly, Dushanbe

On 7 February 2011, the editor of the Najot weekly was badly beaten not far from his house. In grave condition, he was delivered to the National Medical Center.

February 14
Ivar Vikki, head of the OSCE Bureau in Dushanbe

The OSCE ambassador to Tajikistan Ivar Vikki condemned the cruel attack on Khikmatullo Saifullozoda, the editor of the Najot weekly, the printing body of the Tajik Islamic Renaissance Party.

“The attack on Mr. Saifullozoda causes a deep concern. The freedom of speech is the cornerstone of the democratic society. The violence and threats against those who express their opinion are seen as attacks against the values respected in Tajikistan – the country that has its own history of intellectual debates and dialogues”, — said the ambassador.

February 16
Office of the European Union in Dushanbe

Heads of the diplomatic missions of the European Union condemn the attack on Mr. Khikmatullo Saifullozoda, editor of the Najot weekly and the member of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan.

The ambassadors interpret this cruel attack as an act of intimidation targeted against individual rights and freedoms of political and information self-expression.

The heads of diplomatic missions of the European Union demand the Tajik authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring criminals to responsibility.

3. Violation of the principal of transparency in legal proceedings

February 10
Mavzuna Muhammadali, Vetcherny Dushanbe weekly, Dushanbe

The correspondent of the Vetcherny Dushanbe weekly Mavzuna Muhammadali was asked to leave the premises of the Economic Court without any explanations. The correspondent came to the hearings on the case on the Central Universal Store in the Tajik capital.

III. CONFLICTS, VIOLATIONS INCRIMINATED TO THE MEDIA AND JOURNALISTS

1. Protection of honor, dignity and business reputation

February 7
Asia Plus weekly, Dushanbe

The preliminary hearing on the lawsuit of the head of the Interior Ministry’s unit on countering organized crime, Anvar Tagoimurodov against the Asia Plus weekly was adjourned since the compliant did not show up in court.

On 21 January, Tagoimurodov filed a lawsuit at the Fidrausi district court in Dushanbe against the newspaper demanding a moral compensation for defamation in the amount of 1 million Somoni.

February 8
Millat weekly, Dushanbe

On 8 February, the Firdausi district court in Dushanbe ordered that the moral compensation in the amount of 1,500 Somoni (about $300) be made to the Ministry of Agriculture. Besides that, the newspaper must publish a confutation by the Ministry of Agriculture against the article published in December 2009 “The Ministry of Agriculture is the most corrupt government agency”.

The editor of Millat Adolat Umarova stated that the court decision is unfair and illegal. She noted that, according to Tajikistan’s legislation, the moral compensation can be made only to individuals, not organizations. Besides that, the judge made the decision ignoring the evidence of corruption in the Ministry.

“The Millat weekly will appeal against the verdict in the upper judicial instance”, — said Umarova.

15 February
Khusnigul Daminova, former employee of the Tajik State television, Dushanbe

The Shohmansur district court in Dushanbe finished the hearings on the case of Khusnigul Daminova, former employee of the Tajik State television and sent her for psychiatric examination. Daminova was charged for disorderly conduct and aggression against Asadullo Rakhmonov, chairman of the State TV Company.

Malokhat Domullojonova, the judge of the Shohmansur district court said that the investigation of the case is suspended and the defendant should pass medical examination.

According to Daminova’s relatives, her scandal with the chairman of the State TV started when she wanted to discuss the issue of providing her with a municipal apartment after 16 years of service in the TV Company.

2. Violation of the order of registration of public organizations

17 February
Juma Tolibov, director of the public organization “Bureau for linguistic expertise and media investigations”, Dushanbe

The Firdausi district court launched hearings on the case of the “Bureau for linguistic expertise and media investigations”, a public organization based in Dushanbe.

In February 2011, the Ministry of Justice applied to the Firdausi district court with a demand to close the public organization. It should be noted that the Bureau is also the founder and owner of the Paykon weekly.

According to Juma Tolib, the director of the Bureau and the chief editor of Paykon, the Ministry of Justice want to close both the Bureau and the newspaper referring to an allegation that the Bureau is not registered in the tax inspection body.

Tolib says that the organization was registered in the Firdausi district tax inspection unit in February 2009, and the claims of the Justice Ministry are groundless.

The Ministry of Justice complains that the Bureau had changed its legal address and failed to inform the relevant parties.

Juma Tolib says that the real reason behind the persecution are publications in Paykon criticizing the government.

This report is based on compiled materials from the media and private information presented by correspondents of the NANSMIT Monitoring Network

Coordinator of the Monitoring Service
Abdufattokh Vokhidov

Project Manager
Nuriddin Karshibaev

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) seeks a highly motivated Journalism Consultant for its Dushanbe, Tajikistan office.

The position is estimated to last one month starting as soon as possible.

The Journalism Consultant will be expected to write a series of news or feature articles on topics related to women’s legal rights in Tajikistan.

Compensation is competitive and negotiable and dependent upon experience.

Qualifications:
• Degree in Journalism or Law;
• Ability to write articles in Tajik;
• Some proficiency in English is desirable;
• Demonstrated experience in the field of journalism including writing articles for newspapers, magazines and/or internet news services (experience covering women’s issues and legal issues preferred);
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently both independently and with colleagues;
• Strong communication skills, written and oral;
• Ability to travel for several days within Tajikistan;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Immediate availability.

To Apply:
Please e-mail a cover letter describing your journalism experience, a resume/CV, and three writing samples to abaroli.tajikistan@gmail.com or deliver the documents to: ABA ROLI, Attn. Journalist Consultant Position, 6 Saltikov-Shedrin Street.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received until the position is filled or until March 3, 2011 so prompt submission of application is encouraged. No telephone calls please.

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative

Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship

Journalists interested in social change and cross-cultural dialogue can apply for a fellowship.

The Ariane de Rothschild (AdR) Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurship & Cross Cultural Network is currently focused on individuals and organizations from Muslim and Jewish communities in the US, UK and France. However, the program is open to everyone working for social change.

Fellows spend two weeks in July at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School in partnership with the Centre for History and Economics, King’s College, Cambridge University, UK. In January 2012, six months after the two-week training, a four-day follow up intensive training session will be held at ESSEC Business School in Paris, France.

Past winners include Kyle Hannan, a freelance community and social audio consultant who managed UK’s Muslim-Jewish online broadcaster Radio Salaam Shalom and Moroccan-born journalist Hanane Harrath who worked on a news portal while on fellowship.

Deadline:28/02/11

http://ijnet.org/opportunities/fellowship-cross-cultural-dialogue-open-worldwide

DUSHANBE — A libel lawsuit by a regional Interior Ministry official against the independent weekly «Asia Plus» has been postponed by a Dushanbe court for the third time, RFE/RL’s Tajik Service reports.

On December 21, 2010, «Asia Plus» published an article accusing Interior Ministry officials — including officers of the directorate against organized crimes in Sughd Province — of torturing suspected criminals.

General Anvar Taghoymurodov, the head of that directorate, denies any wrongdoing on the part of the Interior Ministry and is demanding 1 million somonis (about $227,000) in damages from the newspaper.

Taghoymurodov asked the judges on February 24 to add the author of the article, Ramziya Mirzobekova, to the list of defendants along with «Asia Plus.» Taghoymurodov also requested that the validity of a document signed by the owner of «Asia Plus,» Umed Babakhanov, empowering «Asia Plus» chief editor Marat Mamadshoev to defend the paper’s reputation, be checked.

The judges asked for additional time to consider the requests by Taghoymurodov and adjourned the hearing.

On February 14, Nusratullo Asadullo, the presiding judge at Dushanbe’s Firdawsi district court, said Mamadshoev, who represented «Asia Plus,» failed to produce any official documentation to prove he is empowered to take legal action on behalf of the weekly.

Taghoymurodov’s lawyer, Jamshed Ghiyosos, said «Asia Plus» owner Umed Babakhanov should appear in court himself to defend the newspaper. Babakhanov is currently living in the United States, where his children are studying.

Mamadshoev filed a counterclaim against Taghoymurodov on February 14 for 15,000 somonis in damages. He told RFE/RL that Taghoymurodov’s suit could damage the weekly’s reputation.

Tajik journalist Qironbek Sharifzoda told RFE/RL on February 24 that «it seems to me that Taghoymurodov does not know how to punish ‘Asia Plus,’ and his legal team is adding requests to win time and keep the weekly under permanent pressure.»

Mirzobekova told RFE/RL that she has written and recorded statements by suspects who were tortured. She said she is not afraid to answer all accusations personally together with «Asia Plus.»

Mirzobekova joined «Asia Plus» in 2002. This is the fourth time one of her articles has triggered a court case. Hearings into an article she published in January 2010 about official pressure being put on the courts began several months ago and elicited statements in the paper’s defense by Western embassies and international organizations.

Tajik experts say this is the first time a court is hearing a case related to torture and violence against suspects. «Asia Plus» said it has evidence to substantiate its charges. But experts said no court has ever given credence to such accusations.

Nargis Zokirova, an expert from the Human Rights Organization of Tajikistan, said it is difficult to speak about torture because it is almost impossible to inspect detention centers and prisons. She said the authorities do not permit domestic or international human rights organizations to visit suspects in detention centers.

Tajik experts say that all previous proven cases of torture were reclassified as abuse of power, and suspected torturers were tried for abuse of power, not for torture.

http://www.rferl.org/content/tajik_ministry_libel_case_postponed/2321309.html

Owners of independent Tajik newspapers are complaining that a new ban on selling newspapers on the streets of Dushanbe is hurting sales, RFE/RL’s Tajik Service reports.

Zafar Sufi, the owner and chief editor of the weekly newspaper «Ozodagon,» told RFE/RL on February 23 that most people buy newspapers on their way to work or when they walk in the city center, and the ban curbs those purchases.

Sufi said that when the Dushanbe municipal administration banned street sales of newspapers, sellers had to build new booths. But most newspaper sellers can’t afford to buy the booths and, as a result, newspapers are incurring financial losses because of lower street sales.

Shavkat Saidov, a spokesman for the Dushanbe mayor, said on February 23 that the ban on street sales does not apply only to newspapers. He said the new regulations prohibit placing any item for sale on the ground, whether newspapers or food products.

Saidov said vendors should keep newspapers in their bags or sell them from booths. He added that it is even permissible to sell newspapers on public transport if the newspapers are kept in bags.

The head of the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan, Akabar Sattor, told RFE/RL that police sometimes abuse their authority when seeking to prevent the sale of merchandise on the streets.

Other observers see the ban on street sales of newspapers as part of a broader political campaign against the independent press.

They say other methods being used by authorities are court cases against many independent publications and the raising of VAT on January 1 from 4 percent to 18 percent. They say this trend by the government threatens the freedom of information.

http://www.rferl.org/content/tajik_newspapers/2320399.html

The EU Heads of Mission strongly condemn the attack on Hikmatullo Saifullozoda, Chief Editor of Najot newspaper, and a member of the political council of the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan (IRPT).

The EU Heads of Mission consider this unprovoked and violent attack on Mr Saifullozoda an act of intimidation aimed against individual rights to freedom of political and media expression. The European Union firmly believes that individuals should not be subject to harassment or attack due to their political views, religious beliefs or as a result of views they have expressed in the media.

The EU Heads of Mission urge the authorities to undertake a full investigation into this attack, and make every effort to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.

For further information you may contact Ms. Mahbuba Abdullaeva in the Delegation of the European Union in Tajikistan at tel: +992 (37) 2217407 or e-mail: Mahbuba.Abdullaeva@eeas.europa.eu

Press Communiqué

Freedom of Speech in Tajikistan in 2010

Dushanbe, 14 February 2011

The Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT) summarized the monitoring data in the area of the freedom of speech in Tajikistan in 2010. During the reporting period, the Association registered 248 reports reflecting activities of the media and journalists in Tajikistan. Out of these reports, 138 describe the factual situation in the media in terms of social, legal and political aspects; 58 inform about direct violations of rights among journalists and the media; and 52 inform about conflicts and accusations against the media and journalists.

The issues of access to information and claims on protection of honor and dignity remain relevant for the Tajik media. In 2010, NANSMIT monitoring service registered 32 cases of limited access to information and 42 cases on protection of honor and dignity.

In 2010, the Tajik courts investigated 9 cases involving journalists and the media. The most juicy scandal was the lawsuit of three judges of the Supreme Court and the Dushanbe City Court against the three Tajik periodicals – Asia Plus, Ozodagon, and Farazh. It was related to the so called “Isfara Case”, which raised a big feedback in the society. In November 2010, the Tajik law enforcement authorities arrested a correspondent of the Nuri Zindagi weekly, Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov. This case is related to the journalist’s professional activities, and it is seen as an unprecedented in the history of the Tajik journalism.

On 16 June 2010, the Ismoili Somoni District Court in Dushanbe opened its first session on the case of Zarina Abdulvokhidova, a correspondent of the Ovozi Tojik Radio. The case concerned the journalist’s demotion in the office and a moral compensation. On 18 June, the court ruled in favor of the journalist ordering to reinstate her in the previous position. The court also obliged the TV & Radio Committee to reimburse her a particular amount for the illegal demotion. That was the first successful case when a media professional managed to protect his/her rights.

The case of the Paykon weekly was investigated in cassational procedure in the Dushanbe City Court; however, the result was unfavorable for the newspaper. The two cases – against the Asia Plus weekly and the Sughd weekly finished in favor of the newspapers.

In May 2010, the chief editor of the Tojikiston weekly Sharifi Khamdampur was arrested by the police in Ainy district. Allegedly, the reason for the incident was the journalist’s photo shooting at the Varzob district road tolling plaza.

Amendments and changes in the Tajik media legislation developed by the Tajik parliamentarians Olim Salimzod and Akramsho Felaliev are approved by the government and sent to the parliament for further consideration. In this regard, Tajik journalists got involved in the process of discussion of the draft law in order to use their chance to improve the media legislation and environment.

The first daily newspaper – Imruz News – came out off press on 30 August. Since the early 1990-s, there have not been any daily papers; after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the beginning of the civil war in Tajikistan the newspapers became weeklies, and many of them ceased to exist at all.

The forth quarter of 2010 signalized new concerns in the Tajik media: limited access to information, blocking of access to online resources, pressure on private newspapers, and the refusal of printing facilities to provide their services to the weeklies Farazh, Paykon, and Nigokh.

On 27 September 2010, heads of the Tajik independent mass media and media organizations issued a statement condemning the actions of the Ministry of Defense discrediting the private media. They expressed concern over a TV program produced by the Ministry’s press center regarding the events in Rasht valley, where the non-state media were accused of disseminating “provocative materials”. In response to that statement, the Minister, General Khairullaev accused the media of assisting terrorists.

On 29 September, deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Bek Zukhurov ordered the main Tajik Internet service providers to block access to several online resources, namely, Avesta.tj, Tjknews.com, Centrasia.ru и Ferghana.ru. In response to the limitation of the freedom of speech, chief editors of a number of the Tajik non-state media and heads of media organizations created the Committee to Protect Professional Rights and called it “The 29 September Committee”. It was created with the purpose of developing a strategy for the Tajik media community, rehabilitation of the rights of media professionals and coordination of activities targeted to stabilizing the media environment.

“The analysis of the freedom of speech in Tajikistan shows that violations of rights among journalists remain latent since the sources, in view of subjective reasons, are reluctant to share information on that, — said Nuriddin Karshibaev, chairman of NANSMIT. — However, the collected data enables experts to make their objective conclusions about both positive and negative developments in the Tajik media environment in 2010”.

For additional information, you can approach Mr. Abdufattokh Vokhidov, coordinator of NANSMIT monitoring service: 34 Khuseinzoda St., Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Tel/fax: (992 37) 221-37-11, 223-09-68; e-mail: coordinator@nansmit.tj

www.nansmit.tj

February 15, 2011

George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you all very much and good afternoon. It is a pleasure, once again, to be back on the campus of the George Washington University, a place that I have spent quite a bit of time in all different settings over the last now nearly 20 years. I’d like especially to thank President Knapp and Provost Lerman, because this is a great opportunity for me to address such a significant issue, and one which deserves the attention of citizens, governments, and I know is drawing that attention. And perhaps today in my remarks, we can begin a much more vigorous debate that will respond to the needs that we have been watching in real time on our television sets.

A few minutes after midnight on January 28th, the internet went dark across Egypt. During the previous four days, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians had marched to demand a new government. And the world, on TVs, laptops, cell phones, and smart phones, had followed every single step. Pictures and videos from Egypt flooded the web. On Facebook and Twitter, journalists posted on-the-spot reports. Protestors coordinated their next moves. And citizens of all stripes shared their hopes and fears about this pivotal moment in the history of their country.

Millions worldwide answered in real time, “You are not alone and we are with you.” Then the government pulled the plug. Cell phone service was cut off, TV satellite signals were jammed, and internet access was blocked for nearly the entire population. The government did not want the people to communicate with each other and it did not want the press to communicate with the public. It certainly did not want the world to watch.

Read full text on [url=America.gov: http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2011/February/20110215155718su0.3556896.html#]America.gov: http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2011/February/20110215155718su0.3556896.html#[/url]

Dushanbe, 16 February 2011 – The EU Heads of Mission strongly condemn the attack on Hikmatullo Saifullozoda, Chief Editor of Najot newspaper, and a member of the political council of the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan (IRPT).

The EU Heads of Mission consider this unprovoked and violent attack on Mr Saifullozoda an act of intimidation aimed against individual rights to freedom of political and media expression. The European Union firmly believes that individuals should not be subject to harassment or attack due to their political views, religious beliefs or as a result of views they have expressed in the media.

The EU Heads of Mission urge the authorities to undertake a full investigation into this attack, and make every effort to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.

For further information you may contact Ms. Mahbuba Abdullaeva in the Delegation of the European Union in Tajikistan at tel: +992 (37) 2217407 or e-mail: Mahbuba.Abdullaeva@eeas.europa.eu

EC Office in Dushanbe