The OSCE has criticized coverage of Tajikistan’s ongoing presidential election campaign, saying it is focused on one candidate: incumbent Emomali Rahmon. 

The interim report by the OSCE’s election observation mission, which covers the period from October 2-19, says that Tajikistan’s state-controlled media outlets extensively covered Rahmon’s trip to two regions and that posters bearing his portrait can be seen all around the country.

ALSO READ: Tajik President ‘Too Busy’ Greeting Citizens To Campaign

However, the report says the campaign materials of the election’s other five candidates were not visible anywhere.

The observation mission also said on October 29 that the OSCE’s recommendations issued after the previous presidential election in 2006 have yet to be fulfilled.

Earlier this month, Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized Tajik authorities for creating obstacles that prevented the united Tajik opposition’s presidential candidate, Oinihol Bobonazarova, from successfully registering.

The election is scheduled for November 6.

http://www.rferl.org/content/tajikistan-election-media-coverage-president-rahmon/25153180.html

Journalists can apply for a US$3,500 grant to support their environmental reporting and entrepreneurial ventures around the globe.

The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) offers grants to provide incentives and support to journalists who are building an environmental platform and are struggling financially to complete the project.

The funds should serve to cover project-related travel, training, research materials, environmental testing and other direct expenses that pertain to the completion of the project.

Both SEJ members and non-members are able to apply for the grants, as long as their work is within the journalism field.

The deadline is Nov. 15.

For more information, click here: http://www.sej.org/initiatives/fund%20for%20environmental%20journalism/overview

Students, bloggers, artists and writers can submit their innovative storytelling.

The Media School at Bournemouth University is accepting entries for its New Media Writing Prize (NMWP).

NMWP is looking for innovative and interactive storytelling (fiction or non-fiction) written specifically for delivery and reading/viewing on a PC or Mac, the Web or a hand-held device such as an iPad or mobile phone. It could be a short story, novel, documentary or poem using words, images, film or animation with audience interaction.

The overall winner will receive GBP1,000 (US$1,616). The student winner will receive a three-month work placement at the leading e-learning company Unicorn Training, in Dorset, UK, with a weekly pay of GBP250 (US$404). The People’s Choice winner, voted for by the public, will be awarded with GBP250.

The deadline is Nov. 25. The deadline for students is Dec. 13.

For more information, click here: http://www.newmediawritingprize.co.uk/

Freedom of Speech in Tajikistan

October 2013

In October 2013, the Monitoring Service received 24 reports. Eight of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of social, legal and political environment; three reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals; and thirteen reports describe conflicts and accusations against the media and journalists.

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

1. Journalists protecting their professional rights

12 October

All media, Dushanbe

On 10-12 October, the Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT) held a seminar on the aspects of professional activities in the media. The seminar was held within the frameworks of the project “Management and safe activities in the Tajik mass media” financed by the International Media Support, Denmark.

The seminar was attended by managers and editors from Dushanbe, Khatlon province, and the cities of Tursunzade and Penjikent.

14 October

All media, Khujand, Sughd province

The Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT) held a seminar in the northern city of Khujand to discuss the issues of management and legal aspects of professional activities in the media.

According to Nuriddin Karshoboev, chairman of NANSMIT, participants received useful information to ensure professional safety through proper application of the legislation in management. Oleg Panfilov, professor of the Georgian State University was the main speaker at the seminar. Among the topics discussed at the seminar, were the following: “Practical application of the international standards of the freedom of information”, “Problems related to defamation in the media”, legal persecution of media professionals”, “Information security in the media”, “Rules of legal security for the media”.

29 October

The Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT), Dushanbe

“The criminal case initiated against Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov is politically motivated and targeted to limiting the freedom of speech in Tajikistan”, — said Nuriddin Karshiboev, chairman of NANSMIT.

“The verdict of the court is very tough. Ismoilov was sentenced to 11 years; I think that the lawyers will appeal against the judgment. His guilt was not proven during the court hearings”, — he added

26 October

All media, Dushanbe

The OSCE Bureau in Tajikistan and the Tajik Justice Council held a seminar on the issues of participation of the media in legal trials.

Inter alia, participants learned about the order of complaints and appeals regarding the cases of protection of honor, dignity, reputation and defamation.

31 October

All media, Khujand, Sughd province

The Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT) held a seminar in Khujand, Sughd province on the topic “Management and economic aspects in the mass media”.

Nuriddin Karshiboev, chairman of NANSMIT told the media that the seminar is conducted within the framework of the project “Management in the media and safe journalism in Tajikistan”. The main goal of the project and the seminars is to reach economic sustainability ensuring the availability of alternative sources of information.

Rustem Safronov, deputy head of the Washington D.C. bureau of Radio Russia and the former deputy head of the Russia Today (RT) TV channel was the main trainer and facilitator at the seminar.

Participants discussed the following topics: “Successful management in the media – key to economic success”, “Marketing and the mass media – an element of sustainability”, “Advertisement and commercial activities in the media”, “Taxation in the media”, “Systematic approach to demand and supply in the media”, “A medium as an economic agent”, and other topics.

2. Factual situation in the media and the freedom of speech

 

2 October

Olga Tutubalina, Asia Plus weekly, Dushanbe

Olga Tutubalina, the editor of the Asia Plus weekly received an order from the Saint Petersburg Foundation of Honor and Courage.

This award is a token of public respect to heroes and those who perfectly perform professional duties in military conflicts, as well as in peaceful time; the award is also given to citizens for their achievements in public, state, cultural and non-commercial activities.

Olga Tutubalina is the owner of other awards; in 2011, she was acknowledged as the most courageous professional in Tajikistan (according to the opinion poll conducted by the Millat weekly).

7 October

All media, Khujand, Sughd province

The administration in Sughd province conducted a seminar for journalists with the purpose of ensuring transparency in the forthcoming presidential elections.

According to www.pressa.tj, among the organizers and participants, there were representatives of the President’s administration, the Tajik parliament, the Ministry of Justice, and members of the Central Commission on Elections and Referenda.

Similar events will be held in Kurgan-Tube, Kulyab and in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).

22 October

Human Rights Watch, USA

Human Rights Watch expressed concern over the persecution of the opposition activists in Tajikistan, as well as intimidation of the leaders of the opposition political parties by the authorities and attempts to get access to political dissidents residing abroad.

“The government has also limited the freedom of the mass media, whereas the state media constantly ensure Rakhmon’s positive image ignoring the coverage of the opposition candidates and avoiding alternative viewpoints and criticism. The independent television does not exist in Tajikistan. The government’s actions undermine the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression, thus raising the question about its adherence to fair and impartial presidential elections”, — says the statement issued by Human Rights Watch.

II. VIOLATION OF RIGHTS

 

1. Denial of access to information

 

2 October

Jamshed Marufov, editor, Radio Payvand, Khujand, Sughd province

Editor of Radio Payvand Jamshed Marufov approached the Customs Committee branch in Sughd province to receive information for his program on the topic of export and import in the region.

The journalist wanted to get the data mainly on the volumes of imported goods and customs fees for 9 months of 2013 in Sughd province. However, the head of the Sughd province Customs branch refused to provide the journalist with these data.

2. Breach of confidence during investigation and presumption of innocence

 

2 October

TV Shabakai Avval, TV Jahonoro, Dushanbe

The lawyers of Zaid Saidov, the Tajik entrepreneur and political opponent of President Rakhmon told the media at a press conference that they are going to apply to the Prosecutor’s Office regarding the unlawful broadcasts by two state TV companies defaming their client and violating the principle of presumption of innocence.

The lawyers refer to Article 361 of the Tajik Criminal Code (disclosure of information received during interrogation and preliminary investigation.

2. Violation of the freedom of expression

 

1 October

Sherafgan Latipov, press center, State Road Traffic Inspection, Dushanbe

Sherafgan Latipov, employee of the State Road Traffic Inspection’s press center told the media that the Interior Ministry initiated “a line-of-duty investigation” against him after he had given comments to Radio Ozodi (Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty) about the situation in the area of traffic regulations in the capital.

III. CONFLICTS AND VIOLATIONS OF RIGHTS IN THE MEDIA

 

1. Protection of honor, dignity and business reputation, moral compensation

2 October

Olga Tutubalina, editor, Asia Plus weekly, Dushanbe

Inoyat Inoyatov, the lawyer of the Tajik private weekly Asia Plus and its editor Olga Tutubalina applied to the Firdausi district court in Dushanbe asking to check and reconsider the correctness of the complaints’ action.

Inoyatov told the media that the court should also demand properly processed proxy6 letters from complainants – the letters confirming that the complainants have been delegated the authority to represent engineers, technicians, doctors, professors, lawyers, employees of scientific and cultural institutions, public servants, etc.

“The Academy of Sciences, the unions of writers, composers, artists and architects have no legal authorities whatsoever to institute a suit on behalf of engineers, technicians, physicians and representatives of other professions; neither do they have anything like that written in their charters. The citizens Askarali Rajabov, Khikmar Rakhmatov and Dilbar Abdieva – as individuals – also do not have such a right or authority”, — added the lawyer.

7 October

Samak weekly, Dushanbe

The Firdausi district court in Dushanbe rejected the statement of claim against the Tajik weekly Samak. In June 2013, the poet and former chairman of the Tajik Union of Writers Askar Khakim applied to the court demanding moral compensation in the amount of 150 thousand Somoni ($1=4,75 TJS).

According to Samak’s lawyer, Inoyat Inoyatov, the court “shelved” the claim because it is not in compliance with formal requirements; otherwise, the claim is not supported by certain documents.

“The judge provided the claimant a chance to rectify mistakes and present the missing documents. Besides that, according to the legislation, the poet must pay a state fee in the amount of 7 percent of the amount, which he demands as moral compensation”, — said the lawyer.

On 20 March 2013, the Samak weekly published an article titled “The non-problematic Tajik intelligentsia”, where Askar Khakim “noticed criticism against him”.

14 October

Olga Tutubalina, editor, Asia Plus, Dushanbe

On 12 October, the Firdausi district court in Dushanbe held hearings on the case of “intelligentsia against Olga Tutubalina and Asia Plus”.

A representative of complainants stated that the Asia Plus weekly and its editor Olga Tutubalina should pay a moral compensation to three individuals – Askarali Rajabov, Dilbar Abdieva and Khikmat Rakhmatov; the Tajik Academy of Sciences demands official apologies.

At one of the hearings, Khikmat Rakhmatov stated that he is not familiar with the contents of Tutubalina’s article, but he “feels humiliated by the word “shit” in the article”. “I am concerned – because it touches upon my honor and dignity”, — he said. — “Yes, I am aware that my name is not mentioned there [in the article], and the whole story is about the arrival of Bozor Sobir [the poet] to Tajikistan”.

Answering the question of the lawyer regarding the definition of the word “intelligentsia” and “what he [Mr. Rakhmatov] has do with intelligentsia?”, he responded that “he came to the hearings, not to an exam…

Another complainant, Askarali Rajabov told the court that “he belongs to intelligentsia and this is enough”. “My honor and dignity are affected!” – he said.

The lawyer reminded the judge that the president of the Tajik Academy of Sciences and the chairman of the Union of Writers have not attended the hearings. (that was the fourth court session when the persons mentioned above did not attend).

2. Обвинение в вымогательстве и мошенничестве

 

29 October

 

Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov, freelance journalist, Asht district, Sughd province

The Asht district court in Sughd province started hearings on the case of Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov, freelance correspondent of the Nigokh weekly.

Ismoilov is being charged on the accusations of extortion (Article 250 of the Tajik Criminal Code). He is also accused of “embezzlement and fraud committed against individuals abusing of power”.

On 29 October, the court sentenced Ismoilov to 11 years in prison; the court also obliged the convict to pay more than 5 thousand Somoni (more than $1 thousand) to the complainants, to reimburse their losses.

The journalist’s lawyer Sadriddin Saidov told the media that the defence does not accept the court’s verdict considering it poorly grounded. “The verdict is based on allegations, and the collected evidence does not prove the guilt of the defendant. We are going to appeal against the verdict at the Sughd province court”, — he added.

3. Defamation, business reputation

 

29 October

TV Safina, TV Jahonnamo, TV Shabakai Avval, Dushanbe

The Ismoili Somoni district court in Dushanbe started hearings on the lawsuit lodged by the Islamic Renaissance Party (PIRT) against three state TV stations – TV Safina, TV Jahonnamo and TV Shabakai Avval.

The Party accused the TV stations of broadcasting programs defaming the reputation of PIRT.

Initially, the court obliged the State Broadcasting Committee to prepare its response to PIRT and to explain the actions of the three government TV stations.

PIRT’s lawyer told the media that the Party has presented sufficient facts and evidence confirming that the state television intentionally defames reputation of the influentioal opposition party.

On 29 October, the court dismissed the claim explaining that the programs broadcast by the government TV stations were produced by freelance journalists who do not work officially for the state television. The judge said that the TV programs were financed by local administrations.

The PIRT’s lawyer told the media that the Party is going to appeal against the cout’s decision.

Initially, the Islamic Renaissance Party applied to the court on 19 September. In its statement the Party said that “with the beginning of the election campaign, the State Broadcasting Committee conduct propaganda against PIRT actively using technical resources of the government TV stations. PIRT asked the defendants to apologize officially for the information campaign which defames and discredits the Party.

4. Plagiarism

 

22 October

Ilkhomjon Khamidov, deputy dean of the journalism faculty, Tajik National University, Dushanbe

Activists of social networks accused Ilhkhomjon Khamidov, professor of the Tajik National University of plagiarism.

On 19 October, Khamidov, the deputy dean of the journalism faculty published an article on the web site of Asia Plus news agency titled “Why do I vote for Emomali Rakhmon?”

Users of Facebook found “stolen segments” in Khamidov’s article. The professor used pieces from the speech of the Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich (the speech was made in 2009). The Tojnews agency also published a reference to the original source – the speech of Victor Yanulovich.

5. Violation of ethical standards

 

7 October

All media, Dushanbe

The Tajik Media Council named the media outlets, which frequently violate ethical standards.

According to the Council’s observations and assessment, the main violators are the newspapers Charkhi Gardun, Zan va Mard, Oila, Muhabbat va Oila, and Mushfiki.

The Council also named other printing outlets – those who sometimes ignore the ethical principles. Among those are Naradnaya Gazeta, Minbari Khalk, Farazh, and Samak.

 

Aspiring documentary makers can apply for a mentored working trip to New Orleans.

World Nomads is accepting applications for a travel documentary scholarship. The winner will spend 10 days in New Orleans under the mentorship of filmmaker and director Brian Rapsey.

One person or teams of two can apply. The trip will take place Feb. 26 — March 8, 2014 (dates may vary by a few days).

The winner will receive round-trip airfare from the country of residence to New Orleans, enrollment in the travel filmmaking course, video gear and accessories, and travel insurance.

The four runners-up will receive in addition enrollment in a travel film-making course and a tripod. The top 50 entries will also receive enrollment in the travel filmmaking mini-course.

Applicants must submit a maximum three-minute travel video in English.

The deadline is Nov. 6.

For more information, click here: http://journals.worldnomads.com/scholarships/story/106245/USA/Travel-Film-Scholarship-2013-New-Orleans#axzz2kL5BboPI

Journalists who want to learn how to tell stories with data can register for this free course.

The European Journalism Centre (EJC) is offering registration for its online data journalism course “Doing Journalism with Data: First Steps, Skills and Tools.”

This five-module introductory course consists of the following topics: data journalism in the newsroom, finding data to support stories, finding story ideas with data analysis, dealing with messy data and telling stories with visualization.

Comprising of video lectures, tutorials, assignments, readings and discussion forums, this course is open to anyone in the world with an Internet connection.

Instructors include Simon Rogers, data editor at Twitter; Paul Bradshaw, head of the online journalism master’s program at Birmingham City University; Nicolas Kayser-Bril, co-founder and head at data journalism startupJournalism++; and other leading experts in the field.

The course will begin in early 2014.

For more information, click here: http://datadrivenjournalism.net/course/

DUSHANBE — The united Tajik opposition is demanding that election authorities register its candidate for president, despite the fact she fell short of the necessary signatures required. 

Oinihol Bobonazarova, backed by the United Reformist Forces, missed an October 11 deadline to collect the required 210,000 signatures of support from registered voters.

But the opposition argues that the 202,000 signatures that Bobonazarova did collect make her eligible, since the law requires the support of 5 percent of the country’s estimated 4 million eligible voters.

The opposition also blames the authorities for weakening Bobonazarova’s chances by preventing more than 1 million Tajik migrants — a key opposition power base — from taking part in the signature-gathering process.

Six candidates, including incumbent President Emomali Rahmon, have been registered to take part in the November 6 vote.

DUSHANBE — An opposition candidate for the Tajik presidency, Oinihol Bobonazarova, says she will not take part in the November 6 election.

Bobonazarova told RFE/RL on October 11 that her campaign had narrowly missed collecting the required number of signatures to register for the poll.

«I knew from the beginning that it was not going to be an easy campaign, but I didn’t realize there would be so many barriers and problems in the way,» Bobonazarova said.

The Central Election Commission had announced on October 10 that it was extending the registration deadline by one day — until October 11 — ostensibly to give Bobonazarova more time to hand over the required 210,000 signatures of her supporters.

She said her campaign had been «under pressure» from many sides, starting with state-run television and extending to regional governors, neighborhood committee heads, and even teachers, who did not want to see her run.

She also accused state media of unfairly focusing on incumbent President Emomali Rahmon’s campaign. «It felt like Rahmon wasn’t my only rival in this race,» she said. «My rival was the entire government with all its agencies, including its law enforcement structures.»

Bobonazarova earlier accused police of interfering in her campaign by arresting her supporters while they collected supporters’ signatures.

However, she said she was happy to see that her supporters were not willing to give up on their dreams for the country’s future, despite the abrupt end to her campaign. She apologized and said she had «tried until the last moment.»

She said none of the five officially registered candidates poses a real threat to Rahmon in the vote. She said she would have been the only «serious contender» to Rahmon and that her challenge had «frightened» the authorities.

‘No Impact’

The Central Election Commission said Bobonazarova’s decision will not have any impact on the election, which officials said would be «democratic, transparent, and free.»

Opposition leaders have also accused the authorities of excluding more than a million Tajik migrant workers — a major opposition power base — from the signature-gathering campaign.

Tajikistan’s election commission had ruled that the migrants have the right to vote in the election, but that they were not allowed to take part in the signature-gathering process.

Bobonazarova’s candidacy had been supported by the United Reformist Forces of Tajikistan, an alliance that brings together the country’s largest opposition party, the Islamic Renaissance Party, and the Social Democratic Party, as well as several nongovernmental organizations and influential political figures.

Six presidential candidates have officially registered for the election. In addition to Rahmon, who has been in power since 1992, they are Tolibbek Bukhoriev from the Agrarian Party; Olim Boboev from the Economic Reforms Party; Ismoil Talbakov from the Communist Party; Abduhalim Ghafforov from the Socialist Party; and Saidja’far Ismonov from the Democratic Party.

http://www.rferl.org/content/tajik-opposition-president/25133663.html

In September 2013, the Monitoring Service received 20 reports. Ten of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of social, legal and political environment; four reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals; and six reports describe conflicts and accusations against the media and journalists.

 

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

1. Statements and actions of public officials defining the factual status of the mass media6 Septmber

Shermuhammad Shohiyon, chairman of the Central Commission on Elections and Referenda in Tajikistan, Dushanbe

On 6 September, at a round table session, the head of the Central Commission on Elections and Referenda Shermuhammad Shohiyon called on journalists to be responsible and serious in covering the forthcoming presidential elections.

The official warned that the intentional dissemination of materials defaming the candidates and their election programs might lead to “undesirable consequences”. He asked journalists to timely provide the public with objective and comprehensive information on the election campaign.

6 Septmber

Akbarali Sattorov, chairman, the Union of Journalists, Dushanbe

“Journalists do not need any special body to protect themselves during the election campaign”, — said Akbarali Sattorov, chairman of the Tajik Union of Journalists and the member of the Central Commission on Elections and Referenda.

“We have heard some suggestions regarding the creation of a certain “headquarters”, which would protect journalists’ rights during the election campaign. I think there is no necessity in setting up such a unit”, — said Sattorov.

He added that the national legislation ensures the right of media professionals to get proper access to information.

6 Septmber

Akbarali Sattorov, chairman, the Union of Journalists, Dushanbe

In the presence of the chairman of the Central Elections and Referenda Commission, the head of the Union of Journalists described the rights of journalists during the election campaign. He also added that any violation of these rights will be considered by the prosecutor’s office and the court.

Sattorov reminded the audience that journalists and the media have the right to cover the elections; they can refer to opinions of different sides; they can attend polling stations, observe the electorate: however, they cannot agitate for any candidate; neither can they give any advice to voters.

7 Septmber

Emomali Rakhmon, President of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

In his speech at a meeting on the occasion of the National Independence Day, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon called on all future candidates and the media to observe the principles of political correctness. The President expressed hope that the elections will be held in a transparent and democratic manner.

19 Septmber

Oynikhol Bobonazarova, presidential candidate

Oynikhol Bobonazarova, a candidate who represents the Tajik political opposition at the forthcoming presidential elections asked the media on Facebook to restrain from presenting her as a person who has had record of conviction.

“Some media say that I was convicted and then, amnestied. I am making an official statement that I was arrested in 1993; there was an investigation, but later, I was released. There was no any trial whatsoever, and only the court cad decide whether a person is guilty or innocent”, — she said.

19 Septmber

Saodat Amirshoeva, parliamentarian, Dushanbe

At the sessions held from 12 to 22 September, the lower chamber of the Tajik parliament met with representatives of the electorate.

According to Saodat Amirshoeva, a member of the lower chamber, some activists suggested to introduce amendments and changes in the national media law – inter alia, in the sections concerning the protection of honor and dignity of the Tajik nation.

The parliamentarian stressed that the dissemination of poorly verified information sometimes defames the Tajiks. “We observe the principles of freedom of speech and democracy, but journalists must realize that there also exists the presumption of innocence”, — she said.

2. Journalists protecting their rights

Septmber, 25

All media, Dushanbe

On 25 September, the Tajik Media Council, the National Association of Independent Mass Media and the Tajik Media Alliance published a statement expressing concern over the violation of ethical professional principles by the state TV stations, in particular by the Bakhoriston TV (broadcasting for children).

The statement says that “certain programs have turned into a platform for promotion of violence, which defames the nation of Tajiks in the eyes of the global community”.

The media organizations urged the government of Tajikistan to present a legal feedback on certain programs of the Tajik state television.

3. Factual situation in the media and the freedom of speech

4 Septmber, 4

Embassy of Russia, Dushanbe

The embassy of Russia in Dushanbe issued a diplomatic statement accusing the Tajik media of discrediting the Russian Federation.

The statement on the embassy’s web site, says that certain articles published in the Tajik media create an impression that Tajik citizens are being hunted in Russia. “The frequency of such publications and the tone of the message are very alarming”, — the statement says.

The embassy of Russia has previously accused the Tajik media of defaming the Russian system. The Tajik authorities have also repeatedly protested against publications in the Russian media about the Tajik labor migrants who are often presented as troublemakers and criminals.

13 Septmber

Administration, Khatlon province

A new printing facility was put into operation in the city of Kurgan-Tube, Khatlon province.

The province administration allocated funds for procurement of the modern equipment. Saivali Saifulloev, told the media that the printing facility’s capacity is sufficient to regularly publish several newspapers with proper quality. It should be noted that so far, the province newspapers were published in Dushanbe.

28 Septmber

UNICEF country office, Dushanbe

The UNICEF country office in Tajikistan published a statement regarding a TV program “The path of hatred” broadcast by the Bakhoriston TV.

The UNICEF office urged the mass media to strictly follow professional and ethical standards while preparing TV programs containing messages, which could affect psychic, social, emotional, spiritual and moral development of children.

“Production and broadcasting of programs like the one in question contradict the requirements of the television friendly to children, oriented on the audience from 3 to 16 years of age”, — the UNCEF statement says.

II. VIOLATION OF RIGHTS IN THE MEDIA

1. Intimidations and threats

30 Septmber

Daler Sharipov, freelance journalist, Dushanbe

On 30 September the Ozodagon news agency (http://www.ozodagon.com) published an article titled “We are advised to keep silent… Why?” written by Daler Sharipov.

The author says that he has been receiving letters by e-mail containing threats. “The letters come from individuals unknown to me. They advise me to shut up and restrain from touching on “delicate issues”. After every publication, the “opponents” attach a label to me – presenting me as a supporter of this or that political or ideological group”, — the author said.

2. Unlawful limitation of access to information

13 Septmber

TV Safo, Moscow

Temur Varky, chief editor of the Safo TV informed the audience on Facebook that the TV station resumed broadcasting through the Hotbird satellite – 13 E 12380 V 27500.

Since 20 August, the Tajik authorities have jammed the TV channel on the territory of Tajikistan. According to Varky and his sources, the Tajik national broadcasting agency purchased special jamming equipment from China for that particular purpose.

3. Рассмотрение надзорной жалобы на решение судов нижестоящей инстанции

4 Septmber

Imruz News weekly, Dushanbe

The Dushanbe city court dismissed the complaint of the Imruz News weekly regarding the decision of the Ismoili Somoni district court, which ruled to fine the newspaper for defamation and insult.

III. CONFLICTS, VIOLATIONS OF RIGHTS

1. Protection of honor, dignity and business reputation

13 Septmber

Olga Tutubalina, editor, Asia Plus weekly, Dushanbe

Inoyat Inoyatov, the lawyer of the Asia Plus weekly told the media that the court dismissed the defendants’ motion regarding the non-acceptance of the lawsuit.

Inoyatov said that he asked the court to dismiss the motion because the organizations and individuals who presented themselves as complainants cannot be considered as legitimate complainants. The charters of these organizations do not contain proper provisions allowing them to present their claims on behalf of the national intelligentsia; individual citizens also have no right to act on behalf of the intelligentsia. However, the court did not accept the lawyer’s arguments.

Olga Tutubalina, who is battling the “libel and defamation” case after she broadly criticized Tajikistan’s official, state-supported “intelligentsia” in an article last summer. Tutubalina took to task members of government-funded creative unions for sycophancy, overlooking economic troubles, and for taking no position on most problems facing the country. The unions filed a case against Tutubalina and the newspaper, one of Tajikistan’s most respected, with claims she had personally insulted them. The government-funded Academy of Sciences is paying the legal fees.

20 Septmber

Khurshed Niyozov, Samak weekly, Dushanbe

The founder of the Samak weekly Khurshed Niyozov told the media that the court hearings on the case “Askar Khakim against Samak” is postponed because of failure of one of the parties to appear in court.

The chairman of the Tajik Union of Writers Askar Khakim filed a lawsuit against the Samak weekly and its editing board after the publication of an article “Non-problematic intelligentsia”. The writer demanded moral compensation in the amount of 150 thousand Somoni (about $30 thousand).

23 Septmber

State Broadcasting Committee under the government, Dushanbe

The Party of Islamir Renaissance of Tajikistan (PIRT) approached the Ismoili Somoni district court in Dushanbe with a letter of complaint against the State TV and Radio Committee under the government. (Asia Plus weekly, 23 September).

In its letter, PIRT expressed concern over frequent accusations by the state TV and radio stations defaming the opposition political party. PIRT states that such messages being broadcast through the government-controlled TV and radio stations contradict the national Constitution, as well as the media law and the law on political parties.

In its letter, apart from the State Broadcasting Committee, PIRT points to the other codefendants – TV Safina, Shabakai Avval, and Jahonnamo.

30 Septmber

Shukhrat Kudratov, lawyer, Dushanbe

Shukhrat Kudratov, the lawyer of Zaid Saidov, the Tajik entrepreneur and the founder of the opposition political party New Tajikistan who has been arrested on charges of fraud, corruption and other alleged crimes, told the Ozodagon news agency that he is going to file a lawsuit against the Tajik state television.

The lawyer stated that the state television and the Tajik law enforcement agencies have breached the principle of presumption of innocence depicting Zaid Saidov as a criminal, whereas his guilt has not been proven, and the court has not arrived to any decision.