Dushanbe, Tajikistan, February 5, 2013

The United States has long supported freedom of speech, mass media freedom, and the right of journalists to work without fear of censorship or reprisal.  We, the U.S. Embassy, have regularly raised our concerns regarding the treatment of journalists in Tajikistan, including that of Mr. Abduqayum Qayumzod, with the Tajik government.  We urge the Government of Tajikistan to respect media freedom and establish a clear and transparent mechanism governing the accreditation of journalists.