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