Journalists and bloggers from Central Asia are encouraged to apply for multimedia training program in Prague, Czech Republic.

Transitions Online (TOL) launched a new multimedia program for journalists from Central Asia called Training the Trainers. Graduates of the program will be able to lead their own workshops on both new media and multimedia topics and serve as leaders in bringing the latest trends and tools to their home regions.

Two five-day workshops will be held in Prague (one in 2011 and one in 2012) in Russian and English, with a mix of regional and international expert trainers. The first workshop will be held on April 26-30, 2011 focusing on two major topics: working effectively with multimedia for journalists, citizen journalists and bloggers as well as using social media to promote materials, websites, and campaigns online.

TOL will recruit a total of 10 participants (two from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan and two each from the Uzbek and Turkmen communities who are living abroad).

For more information (in Russian), click here: http://www.tol.org/client/training/

http://ijnet.org/opportunities/multimedia-training-program-journalists-central-asia-launches-prague

Persian-language journalists interested in in exploring ethics issues and decision making can enroll in a free online course.

Introduction to Ethical Decision Making is one of three online courses in Persian launched by NewsU International.

The self-directed course is designed for Persian-language journalists and other newsroom leaders who want to make sound decisions, as well as anyone interested in the ethical guidelines for fair, accurate and honest journalism.

Introduction to Ethical Decision Making provides participants with the techniques and tools they need to confront complex and complicated ethical issues and support decisions with clear and rational thought.

Participants will learn to:

•Appreciate the need for ethics in journalism
•Understand the guiding principles and values of ethics in journalism
•Practice sound ethical decision making
•Justify the decisions they make
NewsU International is a partnership between the Poynter Institute and the International Center for Journalists.

In order to participate in the course, applicants need to register at the NewsU International site.

http://ijnet.org/opportunities/newsu-international-launches-online-ethics-course-persian

Journalists interested in social media can access three free online sessions.

The free webinar series, sponsored by the Reynolds Center, was originally held February 8 to 10. It has now been posted online. The first session, “Social Media 101,” deals with the basics for new social media users, with an introduction to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

The second session teaches reporters how to use social media sites as research tools. For example, journalists will learn how to turn them into databases to find stories and sources, use Twitter lists and connect with a social community. The session also covers ethics and practical tips on using Web sources.

The third session focuses on “cutting through the clutter” and teaching reporters to filter content. It will show how to set up keyword searches, and find useful links and articles.

http://ijnet.org/stories/free-social-media-webinars-available-online

The International Journalism MA at City University London’s world-renowned Graduate School of Journalism is designed to equip you to start a career in international news reporting, or return to a career with enhanced skills and understanding.

It is designed for students who do not live in the UK. You will leave with contacts in countries around the world, with insight into international news, and with a more profound understanding of other cultures.

You will benefit from:

•A prime location in the heart of media district
•Excellent graduate prospects, with students working for international news organisations like Al-Jazeera, CNN, APTN, BBC World Service, and Dow Jones
•An international focus, 89% of 2010/11 students are from outside the UK
•Experienced faculty and world-famous guest speakers. Recent visitors to the course have included senior figures from Reuters, Channel 4 News, Sky News, APTN, Reuters Iraq and A-24 African network London’s Places available for the 2011/12 class.

http://ijnet.org/node/91363

Date:01/05/11 — 15/06/11
Deadline:12/04/11
ICFJ Anywhere

A free six-week online course aimed at helping international journalists cover religion in the digital age will be held from May 1 to June 15, 2011.

The course, called “International Coverage of Religion in the Digital Age,” is sponsored by ICFJ Anywhere.

It aims to critically examine effective ways of reporting on religion using traditional and new media platforms. Participants will develop collegial and mentoring relationships, engage in live chat with social media leaders, and examine and debate critical ideas.

David Briggs, who has 25 years of national and international religion journalism experience at the Associated Press, will run the course.

The course will be offered in English and Arabic; the deadline for applications for the free course is April 12.

http://ijnet.org/opportunities/free-online-course-trains-international-journalists-cover-religion-di

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