March 11, the «Day of Tajik Press,» gives us an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that journalists face around the world. Tajikistan’s independent journalists have distinguished themselves by their willingness to shine a light on issues of public concern. In the 20 years of Tajikistan’s independence, Tajik journalists have documented war and peace, explored social and economic issues, and informed the public of political developments. Many have displayed courage in taking on topics that matter to citizens of Tajikistan.
The work of independent Tajik journalists reminds us of the important role that free and independent media play in the development of healthy, informed societies, including the United States, where independent media gives citizens and officials a venue to exchange information and opinions and engage in robust debate. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits laws that abridge freedom of speech and thereby protects American journalists who criticize our political leaders — up to and including the President. Bold, independent reporting links our government and our society. Journalists who identify problems and present public opinions give our leaders information they can use to better address the concerns of their constituents.
U.S. journalists play a pivotal role in developing our nation. They expose government corruption, document abuses of authority, and influence public policy. American journalists’ real-time reporting on the Vietnam conflict and the Civil Rights Movement informed and empowered the public to lobby the government to change its policies. In the 1970’s, intrepid journalists revealed abuses of power in the White House, leading to the resignation of President Nixon. Officials do not like the criticism, but our courts consistently uphold the right of journalists to report and criticize government actions. American journalists regularly criticize the performance of government officials and public figures without fear of legal action or reprisal. We believe this free atmosphere for open debate is healthy and provides a constructive channel for public concerns.
In our experience, journalists have an important role in monitoring, questioning, and reporting on the activities of the government, exposing possible abuses, and holding officials accountable for their actions. In 1997, New York City journalists documented a serious case of police brutality against Haitian immigrant Abner Louima. One journalist who wrote on the case won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for her distinguished commentary on the assault. The police officers involved were arrested and convicted for their actions. Their leader was sentenced to 30 years in prison, thanks in great part to the work of journalists who informed the public of the case. There also are several instances in which matters reported by the media were rebutted by government authorities, and media outlets corrected their earlier reports. Rarely do such cases end up in court. Our government has found that it works best for it – and the public – if government agencies develop strong relationships with the media and have professional media liaison officers who provide journalists with information about their activities.
The work of journalists is never easy. As Secretary Clinton noted in 2010 on International Media Freedom Day, «courageous journalists across the globe risk their freedom and their lives to provide independent information on government actions and their consequences; report the news from conflict zones; expose crime, corruption and wrongdoing; and reveal human rights violations — all despite efforts, in some cases, by governments and others, to control what people read, hear and think.»
In Tajikistan, independent journalists report on important issues despite facing many of these challenges. Electronic news services, blogs, and on-line forums have joined print media. Pressure on journalists creates an atmosphere of fear, leading them to avoid publishing important material out of concern they or their media outlet will be subject to retribution. The public is better served when officials take corrective actions to address concerns raised in media reports, if the concerns are warranted, rather than use the court system to intimidate journalists and suppress the message.
To ensure that independent media in Tajikistan is strong, we believe the government should send a clear message to its officials and citizens that pressure on journalists and media outlets is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Our experience shows that strong, independent media that are free to report on government activities are a critical ingredient in advancing the development of a healthy, democratic, just, and economically strong society. We look forward to working as partners with the government, the media community, and civil society to strengthen independent media in Tajikistan.
Ken Gross
U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan
US Embassy