The repressive Central Asian nation of Turkmenistan has passed a new law guaranteeing freedom of the media.

The law, which came into effect on January 4, states that «nobody can prohibit or impede the media from disseminating information of public interest» and that citizens of Turkmenistan have the right to use any form of media to express their opinions.

The new law also prohibits censorship.

Turkmenistan routinely ranks among the worst countries in the world in terms of media freedom, with the United Nations describing the state as wielding «absolute» control over the country’s television, newspapers, and magazines.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov is a shareholder in nearly all of the country’s leading newspapers.

Turkmenistan’s first private newspaper, «Rysgal,» was launched in 2011 by one of the government’s two political parties.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Golos Rossii

Freedom of Speech in Tajikistan

December 2012

 

In December 2012, the Monitoring Service received 21 reports. Eleven of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of social, legal and political environment; nine reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals; and one report describes conflicts and accusations against the media and journalists.
I. POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL ENVIRONMENT DEFINING THE FACTUAL SITUATION IN THE MEDIA

1. Statements of public officials defining the factual status of the mass media

3 December
Beg Zukhurov, head of the government communication service, Dushanbe

After a telephone conversation with Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, the head of the Tajik government communication service, Beg Zukhurov stated that his agency intends to unblock this social network.

The Interfax news agency quoted Zukhurov as saying the following: “I have brought to the notice of the distinguished Zuckerberg that many citizens of Tajikistan who experienced a civil war are resentful about extremist appeals and libel disseminated through his social network”.

The Russian news agency RIA Novosti also quoted the official as saying that access to the web resource will be opened within the next few days “after resolving some technical problems”.

10 December
Olimjon Salimzoda, chairman of the International Relations, Public Unions and Information Committee under the Parliament, Dushanbe

Olimjon Salimzoda, chairman of the Parliament Committee on International Relations, Public Unions and Information told the Asia Plus news agency that the Parliament approved the draft law on “Periodicals and other mass media”.

According to the official, this media law is going to be the best among the similar profile laws in the countries of Central Asia.

According to the amendments to be introduced in the law, state agencies will be obliged to present official responses within three days after requests from journalists. At present, ministries and government bodies are obliged to provide answers to the media within one month after a request.
Salimzoda is confident that the amendments in question will strengthen responsibility of public officials.

“The final draft law was developed on the basis of remarks and suggestions from national and international media organizations and experts”, — he noted.

12 December
Sukhrom Sharipov, member of Parliament, Dushanbe

At a session of the Parliament where parliamentarians discussed the media draft law, Sukhrob Sharipov stated that the new legislation is in compliance with the international standards of the freedom of speech.

He also noted that Tajik journalists are very active in protecting the national interests making their valuable contribution in the discussion of delicate and controversial issues.

“I can expect that the Tajik media may criticize the draft law, but I would also say that ideal laws do not exist anywhere in the world”, — he said.

2. Amendments to legislation affecting the media

12 December
Parliament, Dushanbe

On 12 December, Tajik parliamentarians adopted a new law “On periodicals and other mass media”.

Initially, the draft law was submitted to the Parliament for consideration and discussion in March 2010. The lower chamber of the Parliament set up a working comprising government officials, parliamentarians, members of political parties and media professionals.

According to the new law, from now on, all media shall register as legal entities; state institutions are obliged to respond to journalists’ requests within three days (previously, it was three months).

3. Journalists protecting their civil and professional rights

1 December
The Council of Press Secretaries, Dushanbe

On 29 November, press secretaries and heads of press services under the government agencies created their public organization – the Council of Press Secretaries of Tajikistan.

The organization has adopted its charter; participants elected a chairman and appointed members of the revision commission.

Davlatali Nazriev, head of the Foreign Ministry’s Information, Analysis and Foreign Policy Planning Department is elected the chairman.

The Council’s board comprises representatives from the Parliament, the Ministry of Health, the Drug Control Agency under the President, the Anti-corruption Agency, Prosecutor General’s Office and the TV & Radio Committee.

The new organization pursues the goal to cooperate with the mass media, press services of government agencies, provision of comprehensive and veracious information, and improvement of professional and creative skills among journalists.

1 December
All media, Dushanbe

On 30 November, the Tajik Media Council held its annual conference. Participants noted, inter alia, that the Council does not fully apply its potential in working with regional mass media.

Another issues discussed at the Council was the necessity of strengthening the system of pretrial dispute and conflict resolution (between the media and government bodies or public officials).

The Media Council was created in 2009. The founders of the Council are the Tajik Union of Journalists, the National Association of Independent Mass Media, the Association of Electronic Mass Media, the Memorial Fund for Protection of Journalists. The Council was created under support of the OSCE Bureau in Tajikistan.

7 December
All media, Khujand, Sughd province

On 7 December, NANSMIT held a session of the Club of Journalists to discuss rights and duties of media professionals in covering legal proceedings.

In particular, journalists were interested in learning about video and audio recordings during legal proceedings in court. The lawyer Sadriddin Saidov explained that the minimal requirement is permission from the judge and the defendant; besides that, the journalist must notify the parties that he/she intends to carry out a video or audio recording.

7 December
All media, Dushanbe

On 7 December, NANSMIT held a round table session in Dushanbe to discuss the role of public television in developing diversified and interesting programs and contents that meet expectations of the audience in the era of the Internet. The session was organized by the BBC International Cooperation Department.

Participants discussed the tasks of government and non-state electronic mass media and the trends of editorial policies of the Tajik TV companies.

10 December
All media, Dushanbe

The Tajik NGO Independent Center to Protect Human Rights launched a project “Legal assistance to the mass media” supported by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.

According to Shoira Davlatova, project coordinator, the purpose of the project is legal assistance to the media in conducting voluntary legal audits.

The Independent Center to Protect Human Rights is a group of licensed lawyers specialized on protection of public interests. This group has its own analytical potential.

19 December
All media, Dushanbe

On 19 December, NANSMIT made a presentation of profile literature (study guides and textbooks) to the Nosiri Khusrav University in Kurgan-Tube.

Nuriddin Karshoboev, chairman of the National Association told professors and students that NANSMIT publishes its own original literature, and it also has access to resources of partner organizations – media and human rights entities.

20 December
All media, Dushanbe

On 20 December, NANSMIT and the Finnish VIKES Foundation held a training for young journalists OF Central Asia to discuss the issues of labor protection and labor legislation.

Participants discussed practical issues related to violation of labor rights by employers. They received information on international standards of labor legislation based on study cases.

Young journalists expressed concern over the absence of professional trade unions and stressed the necessity of creating bodies to regulate labor relations between employees and employers.

II. VIOLATION OF PROFESSIONAL RIGHTS

1. Ungrounded limitation of access to information

1 December

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Dushanbe

On 29 December, managers of a few local Internet providing companies told the Asia Plus news agency that they received SMS messages from the government communications service demanding to close access to www.ozodi.org, the official web site of Radio Free Europe /Radio Liberty.

 

According to managers of the Internet providing companies, this demand of the authorities is related to the recent interview with Beg Zukhurov, head of the government communications body. The Tajik service of RFE/RL asked certain uncomfortable questions to the public official who recently ordered the Internet providers to close access to Facebook, the global social network for Tajik Internet users.
Zukhurov’s statement regarding the closure of Facebook in Tajikistan entailed a number of jokes and poignant remarks in the media and in other social networks, as well as serious criticism of the Tajik government violating basic rights of citizens.
2 December
Reporters Without Borders, Paris

On 2 December, the Paris-based media organization reporters Without Borders issued a statement criticizing the Tajik authorities for blocking the web site of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty.
Johan Bir, head of the organization’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia unit raised concern about the actions of Tajik officials calling them for unblocking access to Facebook and Radio Ozodi.
3 December

All media, Dushanbe

The US embassy in Dushanbe is seriously concerned about the blocking of access to Facebook, Radio Ozodi and a number of other online resources.

 

The embassy issued a statement saying that “the right for freedom of expression is universal, and this right must remain universal everywhere – in a public place, in the Internet, or anywhere else… We call the Tajik authorities for observing these rights and unblocking access to Facebook, Radio Ozodi and other web sites”.

 

5 December

Asomiddin Asoev, Association of Internet Providers in Tajikistan, Dushanbe

On 5 December, a number of Tajik Internet providers unblocked access to Facebook – the social network was blocked since 26 November.

Assomiddin Atoev, chairman of Tajikistan’s Internet Providers Association told the media that the state company Tajiktelecom was the first who unblocked access to Facebook. “Probably, the other providers have not received the order from the authorities, but I believe that they will follow Tajiktelecom very shortly”, — he added.

7 December

All media

On 6 December, the Office of the European Union in Dushanbe issued a statement expressing concern over the recent blocking of access to Facebook, Radio Ozodi and a number of other web resources.
“Although access to certain web sites has been restored, the European Union is concerned about rather frequent obstacles of such kind, which raises concern over the media freedom in Tajikistan”, — the statement says.
Representatives of the European Union reminded the Tajik authorities about the Tajikistan’s commitments to observe international conventions and follow the standards of the freedom of expression.
Representatives of the European Union are confident that the Internet must serve as a forum for exchange of information and ideas.
2. Ungrounded limitation in access to information

20 December

Jumkhuriyat weekly, Dushanbe

The Asia Plus weekly (#96. 20.12.12) published an article titled “The government media promise to criticize”. This is a set of interviews with recently appointed editors of government newspapers – Narodnaya Gazeta, Khalk Ovozi, and Jumkhuriyat.

 

Asia Plus reports with regret that the editor of the Jumkhuriyat weekly refused to answer the questions referring to his personal dislike of Asia Plus and criticism in a publication on www.news.tj .

3. Impediments to professional activities

13 December

Daler Sharipov, freelance journalist, Dushanbe

Servicemen of the National Security Committee in Kumsangir district refused to return video records from the funeral ceremony of Domullo Mukhammadi Kumsangiri, a spiritual leader who passed away in November. The video recording was performed by Daler Sharipov, a young journalist who wanted to write a story about the life and activities of Kumsangiri.

 

After the funeral, the journalist was detained by the National Security officers who confiscated his video records and interrogated him for more than one hour. Sharipov said that the officers promised to return the video records, but one month later, they did not keep their promise.
Daler Sharipov is a former correspondent of the Safina TV and the leader of an unregistered organization Kadam ba Kadam; he is a well known host of TV shows. In May 2013, he was attacked and brutally beaten by persons unknown; the investigation on that case proved to be futile.

 

17 December
ImruzNews weekly, Dushanbe

Naziri Nusrat, correspondent of the Tajik private weekly ImruzNews published an article titled “Two meetings and persecution of journalists” (#222, 17 December) where he described facts of intimidation of journalists.

The author told about a meeting of journalists with parents of convicts near the prosecutor general’s office. The meeting was accompanied by a car with tinted glasses; participants of the meeting tried to change their location, but the vehicle kept following them.

 

Journalists see intimidation in such actions; however, the unknown persons in the car did not undertake anything else, which might be interpreted as persecution or harassment.

 

III. CONFLICTS, VIOLATIONS, ALLEGED CRIMES

1. Accusation of defamation

22 December

Saidmukarram Abdukodirzoda, head of the Council of Ulems, Dushanbe

On 21 December, at a Friday sermon, the chief mufti of Tajikistan and the head of the National Council of Ulems Saidmukarram Abdulkodirzoda publically accused the Tajik media of exaggerations in publications about tortures in prisons. The sermon was held in the central mosque in Dushanbe; it was attended by hundreds of parishioners.
“The press is lying. I personally visited several prisons during three days, I spoke with inmates and I learned about the conditions in those institutions. There are no tortures there, no cruel treatment; journalists lay on the colors too thickly”, — the spiritual leader stated.
Nuriddin Karshiboev, chairman of NANSMIT called the accusations of the mufti ungrounded. “Journalists cover this issue in a balanced manner; they provide the floor not only to victims of tortures and their relatives, but also to the law enforcement agencies and government structures”, — he said.

 

Freedom of Speech in Tajikistan

November 2012

 

In November 2012, the Monitoring Service received 18 reports. Ten of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of social, legal and political environment; six reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals; and two 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 of public officials defining the factual status of the mass media

1 November

Emomali Rakhmon, president of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

According to the president’s office press service, the president of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon relieved a number of public servants from their duties. Among them are the deputy head of the government broadcasting committee, editors of the newspapers Narodnaya Gazeta, and Khalk Ovozi, and two deputy directors of the Safina TV. In the president’s dismissal list are also the editor of Jumkhuriat weekly and the editor of the magazine Bonuvoni Tojikiston.

10 November
Emomali Rakhmon, president of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

At a ceremony on the occasion of the National Police Day, the president of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon noted that “certain extremist groups widely use modern information and communication technologies, including the Internet to disseminate ideas of violence and terrorism, especially among young people”.

 

In this regard, the president gave an errand to the Tajik Ministry of Interior and other relevant government agencies to create a special unit under the Ministry to counter information crimes. The Interior Ministry is asked to present its proposals on this issue to the government.

2. Public speeches, statements of public officials defining the situation in the media environment

10 November
Emomali Rakhmon, president of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

Speaking at a ceremony on the occasion of the National Police Day, the president of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon touched upon the issues of information and communication technologies in all spheres of socio-economic life. Along with other challenges, the president mentioned the Internet terrorism and cyber crimes. “Modern technologies can be used by criminals pursuing their destructive goals”, — said Rakhmon.

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

1 November
TV Poytakht, Dushanbe

On 1 November, TV Poytakht, which founder is the mayor’s office in Dushanbe, started broadcasting in the mode of 24×7.

 

According to Abdukodiri Abdukahor, director of TV Poytakht, the TV station covers 2 million of residents – in the capital and its suburbs. The director is soliciting support of the mayor in getting funds to increase the number of personnel at the TV station up to 50 specialists. Paytakht also plans to increase the number of news programs and diversify its broadcasting. Special attention will be paid to the quality of produced materials.

16 November
Farazh weekly, Dushanbe

The Farazh weekly published an article indicated problems among the Tajik printing media – the problems are caused by the newly adopted Tax Code. (“Who will benefit from the bankruptcy of the printing media?”, #46, 14.112012).

 

“Private newspapers cannot afford paying eight types of taxes – it implies bankruptcy”, — says the article. The authors say that the authorities deliberately destroy the independent media creating big tax burden.

4. Journalists and the media protecting their professional and civil rights

11 November
All media

Editors of many Tajik non-state media and leaders of media organizations and legal associations created a Committee to protect professional rights of journalists.

 

The new entity called Committee – 29 September is created with the purpose of developing a strategy for the Tajik media community to protect the freedom of creative activities and better coordination of efforts in the media environment.

 

The Committee is open for new members – the media, public and human rights organizations.

19 November
All media, Kurgan-Tube

On 16-17 November, the Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media held a seminar “Improving efficiency of cooperation between the media and government press services”. The event held in Kurgan-Tube, the administrative center of Khatlon province was supported by local government’s press service.

More than 20 journalists and press secretaries took part in the seminar. Participants learned about standards and best practices of organizing press conferences and efficient methodologies strengthening communication between government press services and journalists.

 

Participants suggested to organize similar events for all state managers and heads of public agencies.

19 November
All media, Dushanbe

On 19 November, Nuriddin Karshiboev, chairman of the Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Mediatold the TJinform news agency that representatives of the government press services intend to create their own professional association.

Representatives of the state press services were inspired by the seminar “Improving efficiency of cooperation between the media and government press services” held in Khatlon province by NANSMIT.

 

For the time being, a steering committee is created comprising representatives of press services of the foreign ministry, the ministry of education, the ministry of health, the border protection committee, and the women’s committee under the government.

20 November
All media, Dushanbe

The British Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) held a training for radio journalists on computer audio editing.

 

Shahodat Saibnazarova, correspondent of IWPR told NANSMIT that the organizers have held classes on technical skills of working with the software Adobe Audition. The main purpose of the training is to give radio journalists skills of editing, such as noise reduction, mixing, etc.

24 November

All media, Dushanbe

On 24 November, the Tajik National University hosted a scientific-practical conference “Challenges for the media in the years of state independence”.

 

Scholars and media professionals discussed and analyzed topical issues of contemporary journalism, modernization of education, training of skilled specialists, etc.

The faculty of journalism at the National University has been holding such conferences annually since 1992. This conference was attended by 70 participants – professors, journalists and media managers. More than 20 reports and works presented at the conference will be published in one book.

II. VIOLATION OF RIGHTS IN THE MEDIA

1. Limitation of access to web resources

9 November
Asia Plus weekly, Dushanbe

The Asia Plus weekly published an article (#84, 8 November 2012) analyzing an initiative of the government communication service. The agency in question intends to create a “unified IP monitoring center”. In the essence, the government communication agency suggests to introduce a system of total surveillance and control and to monopolize the communication sector.

This “initiative” is not something brand new – the government communication service has been trying to promote its idea for a few years, but the authorities declined the proposals, analyzing critical remarks of independent communication experts.

 

26 November
All media

A number of Internet providers in Tajikistan have blocked access to the popular social network Facebook. The providers received a verbal errand from the government communication service, which does not provide any explanation about the reasons. The media cannot receive any comments from the communication agency.

Certain Internet providers are reluctant to block access to Facebook waiting for explanations and further instructions from the authorities.

26 November
Communication service, Dushanbe

On 26 November, Internet providers in Tajikistan blocked access to the social network Facebook.

Asomuddin Atoev, chairman of the Tajik National Association of Internet Providers told Radio Ozodi (Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty) that the local companies had received an order from the government Communication Service “to limit access” to Facebook. The government agency did not provide any explanations about the reasons of its order.

Atoev also said that on 26 November, certain Internet providers already blocked access to the social network, and others were going to do the same. Subscribers of the Babylon M and the Biline companies also confirmed to Radio Ozodi that they have no access to Facebook.

It is “remarkable” that this time, the blocking of access to the Internet is “dedicated” to the World Information Day (it has been celebrated around the World since 1994, following the initiative of the International Informatization Academy, which has a status of consultant at the Economic and Social Councils under the United Nations, and the World Information Sociological Parliament.

27 November

Beg Zukhurov, head of the government Communication Service, Dushanbe

Head of the Communication Service under the Tajik government told the media that he is looking forward to have a personal meeting with Mark Zuckerman, the founder of Facebook. Beg Zukhurov said that he is willing “to discuss the order of work of the social network”, as well as possibilities to control critical remarks addressed to Tajik public officials and entrepreneurs.

 

Zukhurov also stated that his agency has received a number of complaints from Tajik citizens who are “indignant about slanderous publications and remarks targeted against certain government officials”.

Zukhurov was quoted by BBC as saying the following, “Does Facebook have the owner? Can he come to Tajikistan? If he has no time, I am ready to have a meeting with his assistants”.

 

2. Impediments to professional activities

24 November

Daler Sharipov, freelance journalist, Kumsangir district, Khatlon province

On 22 November, officers of the National Security Committee in Kumsangir district held an interrogation of Daler Sharipov, a young journalist and the founder of unregistered non-governmental organization Kadam ba Kadam.

 

Sharipov told Radio Ozodi (Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty) in a brief telephone conversation that he was detained by the officers, after which he was delivered to the office and left there for one hour without any explanations.

 

In a telephone conversation with Radio Ozodi, the National Security officer explained that Daler Sharipov and his friend Rajabali Kalandarov performed a video shooting at the funeral ceremony of a local spiritual leader Domullo Mukhammadi Kumsangiri. The two citizens were invited for a conversation “to find out more about their intentions”. The officer told Radio Ozodi that the young people were released after the conversation and the “measures were undertaken to ensure security in the border area”. (the district borders on Afghanistan).

Daler Sharipov is a former correspondent of Safina TV and the leader of the unregistered NGO is also known as the author and the host of the popular TV talk show Muoshirat.

2. Ungrounded limitation of access to information

22 November

The SSSR weekly, Dushanbe

Sayofi Mizrob, chief editor of the SSSR weekly published an article speculating on the Tajik president’s errands and decrees – those initially targeted to supporting freedom of the media and expression (#47, 22.11.2012).

 

In February 2009, Emomali Rakhmon endorsed the Decree #622 obliging ministers and heads of government agencies to provide timely feedback on publications in the media criticizing the work of the government bodies and administrations at all levels.

 

The author says in his article that initially, the officials properly reacted on criticism in the media. However, this initiative was gradually forgotten, and the public servants ignore the president’s errand.

III. CONFLICTS, VIOLATIONS, ACCUSATIONS AGAINST JOURNALISTS AND THE MEDIA

1. Demand on refutation of information

14 November

Jahonoro TV, Chkalovsk, Sughd province

Managers of the private TV company Jahonoro in the city of Chkalovsk, Sughd province, applied to the court demanding to dismiss the case against the TV station.

 

In September 2012, the Sughd province court initiated civil proceedings against the director of Jahonoro TV Makhmudjon Dadoboev (Article 373 of the Tajik Administrative Code). As a result, the director had to resign.

 

19 November

Muhabbat Juraeva, lawyer of TV Jahonoro, Khujand, Sughd province

The lawyer of TV Jahonoro Muhabbat Juraeva appealed the case initiated by the prosecutor’s office in Sughd province against Mohira Vokhidova, the editor of the TV company in question. The lawyer told the media that the case was initiated groundlessly.

 

Earlier this year, in a news program, TV Jahonoro quoted information about an accident at a marketplace in Dushanbe. The information was taken from the web site tojnews.tj, which is legal – according to Article 36 of the Tajik Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting, any information received from news agencies can be used by the media if they indicate the source of information. The medium is released from responsibility if the information proved to be unreliable or questionable.

 

 

Freedom of Speech in Tajikistan

October 2012

In October 2012, the Monitoring Service received 13 reports. Nine of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of social, legal and political environment; two reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals; and two 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

8 October

Emomali Rakhmon, President of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

Speaking at the National Language Day celebration on 5 October, the Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon harshly criticized the linguistic manner and style of many publications in the local printing media. Newspaper Samak (#41, 8 October 2012).

The newspaper conducted an opinion poll among experts about shortcomings in the media. The vast majority of interviewees support the President’s viewpoint, saying that publications often contain poorly verified facts; the language is also obscure; and very few analytical publications touch upon topical issues relevant for the country.

2. Amendments in the legislation affecting the media freedom 

1 October

All media, Dushanbe

On 1 October, deputies of the Tajik Parliament’s lower chamber adopted the draft of amendments and changes to the national criminal-procedural code. The new draft suggests exclusion of Articles “insult” and “libel”, i.e. these Articles will be decriminalized.

1 October

Rustam Mengliev, Minister of Justice, Dushanbe

The Tajik Minister of Justice Rustam Mengliev made comments for the media on the recent adoption of amendments to the national criminal-procedural code decriminalizing the Articles 135 and 136 (libel and insult respectively).

The decriminalization of these Articles was suggested by the Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon. From now on, cases referring to libel, insult or defamation will be considered in the context of the national civil code.

Punishment for libel, insult or defamation will be performed in the form of obligatory public refutation or financial penalties as moral compensation based upon a civil court verdict. Previously, the crimes on the “libel” Article could entail imprisonment up to five years, and “insult” – up to two years.

3. Actions of public officials defining the status of the media and the factual situation

1 October

Davlatali Nazriev, head of Information, Analysis and Foreign Policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dushanbe

Davlatali Nazriev, the head of the Tajik Foreign Ministry’s Information Department told the media that the Tajik state agencies’ press services are going to create their own professional union.

The official added that the decision was made at a recent seminar “Interaction between state agencies’ press services and the media”. The seminar was conducted by the Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT) jointly with the Tajik Foreign Ministry’s Information, Analysis and Foreign Policy Planning Department. It was financially supported by the NGO International Media Support.

The initiative group comprising representatives of the Tajik Foreign Ministry, press services of the Ministries of Health and Education, the National Security Committee, the Women and Family Affairs Committee under the government will be in charge of organizational issues and convening the foundation conference.

The professional union of the state press services will be created with the purpose of exchanging experience, implementation of educational programs, developing communication and public relation strategies ensuring better access to all official sources of information.

4. Journalists protecting their professional and civil rights

2 October

All media, Dushanbe

Tajik media organizations have launched and educational and public awareness campaign “100 days for the freedom of TajNet” on Facebook. The action was initiated by NANSMIT, the Tajik Union of Journalists and the Media Alliance of Tajikistan.

According to organizers, the action will attract attention of the civil society and the government to the problems of the freedom of expression in the Internet.

The organizers issued a statement saying that democratic values and the rule of law are in jeopardy. The Internet is seen as a free information space; however, the recent limitations in the free expression and pluralism in the Tajik segment of the Internet – the so-called TajNet – raises serious concern in the society.

The organizers expressed hope that their constructive suggestions would help in resolving conflicts in the media environment.

10 October

IWPR, Dushanbe

The British Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) launched the second stage of trainings for media professionals in the area of journalistic investigations.

On 8-9 October, 14 young journalists from Dushanbe, Kulyab, Khorog and Khujand took part in a seminar to learn the methodologies of collecting and analyzing information and documents from web resources. Another aspect of the training was studying legislation for conducting investigations.

The first series of thematic trainings was held in June 2012.

The project “Laboratory for Journalistic Investigations” is implemented under financial support of the Open Society Institute in Tajikistan.

11 October

All media, Dushanbe

The Tajik Union of Journalists, NANSMIT, the National Media Council, and the Media Alliance of Tajikistan published a statement addressed to the Tajik Minister of Interior and the head of Tajikistan’s Traffic Police. The statement concerns the road accident on 9 October, which entailed hospitalization of Iskandar Firuz, the correspondent of the Persian Service of BBC.

13 October

All media, Khujand, Sughd province

On 13 October 2012, the Tajik National Association of Independent Media convened a meeting at a Journalists’ Club attended by media professionals and human rights activists.

Participants discussed opportunities for creating a trade union of media workers in Tajikistan.

The idea of setting up such an institution emerged long ago; however, some media professionals say that the trade union might duplicate the functions of the Tajik Union of Journalists.

31 October

All media, Dushanbe

The British Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) held a seminar in Dushanbe on the topic “Cooperation between the mass media and human rights watchdogs”.

Participants practiced to organize and conduct press conferences and interviews. Besides that, journalists and human rights activists exchanged information about recent amendments in Tajikistan’s legislation and methodologies enabling them to attract attention to their activities.

II. VIOLATIONS OF RIGHTS IN THE MEDIA 

1. Violation of legal procedures

3 October

TV Jahonoro, Gafurov, Sughd province

The Sughd province Prosecutor’s Office initiated administrative proceedings against the editor of the TV station Jahonoro Mohira Vokhidova. The editor is accused of spreading information about the fire at Korvon market in Dushanbe.

The director of TV Jahonoro Makhmudjon Dadoboev told NANSMIT that straight after broadcasting the information about the accident taken from the web site TojNews, he was called to the Sughd province branch of the National Security Committee.

Shortly afterwards, Dadoboev was called to the Prosecutor’s Office where he was asked to write a report. After a while, the director learned that the Prosecutor’s Office applied to the court complaining that “the TV station violated Article 373 of Tajikistan’s Administrative Code”.

Muhabbat Juraeva, the lawyer from the Sughd province Legal Support Center says that Article 373 of the Administrative Code concerns violations in dissemination of media products. “The actions of TV Jahonoro have no legal violations per se”, — she said. – “TojNews is a registered news resource, and dissemination of information taken from that web site cannot be ssen as something illegal”.

The Tajik broadcasting legislation says that information can be freely disseminated if the source is indicated (mentioned in broadcasting), and the broadcaster bears no responsibility whatsoever.

2. Violation of the freedom of information 

4 October

All media

The Tajik weekly Asia Plus published an article titled “Voluntary-compulsory subscription” (#74, 01.10.2012) revealing the growing administrative pressure on certain categories of subscribers. “Officials in a democratic country still cannot give up the legacy of the communist time”, — the article says.

In educational institutions, even in kindergartens, employees are forced to subscribe to particular newspapers and magazines.

The authors of the article describe “administrative tools”, which public servants apply to support the state-owned printing media.

III. CONFLICTS AND VIOLATIONS IN THE MEDIA

1. Demands on refutation

3 October

TV Jahonoro, Sughd province

Muhabbat Juraeva, the lawyer of the Sughd province Legal Support Center told the NANSMIT monitoring service that the Prosecutor’s Office initiated an administrative case against the editor of Jahonoro TV Mohira Vokhidova.

The administrative case is initiated in relation to a TV report about the fire at the Korvon market in Dushanbe.

The Sughd province Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the information about the alleged administrative violation. A source in the Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the case is passed to the court. The source refused to provide comments on the situation saying that this is a prerogative of the court.

On 30 October, the director of TV Jahonoro was dismissed from his position – allegedly, because his TV station disseminated the information taken from the Internet about the accident in Dushanbe.

Dodoboev said that the decision was taken by the founder of Jahonoro Mr. Ohunov. The lawyer Juraeva considers that the founder sees the incident as something that has had a negative impact on the TV station.

Freedom of Speech in Tajikistan

September 2012

In September 2012, the Monitoring Service received 22 reports. Twelve of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of social, legal and political environment; ten reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals.

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

11 September

Davlatali Nazriev, head of Information, Analysis and Foreign Policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dushanbe

Davlatali Nazriev, the head of the Tajik Foreign Ministry’s Information Department told
the media that the Tajik state press services work poorly in terms of timely and objective information.

This statement was made at a round table “Contemporary challenges in Tajikistan’s information environment and the role of the media” regarding the recent military operation in the city of Khorog, administrative center of Gorno Badakhshan.

According to Nazriev, such events require timely and objective media coverage. The official added that certain western media were providing inadequate information.

20 September

Shodi Shabdolov, chairman of the Communist Party of Tajikistan, Dushanbe

The leader of the Tajik Communist Party and parliamentarian Shodi Shabdolov told the Tajik weekly Asia Plus about his recent meetings with the electorate in Sughd province.

Shabdolov said that the population in certain districts – Ainy and Matchoh in particular – live in conditions of information vacuum.

“The printing media available in those districts do not meet requirements of their readers. The people want to learn more about the situation and events in their country, in their region. They want to learn about the laws being adopted and the decisions of the government. They want to know what’s going on in GBAO», — he noted.

25 September

Muzaffar Ashurov, President’s Office, Dushanbe

Muzaffar Ashurov, head of the Department of Constitutional and Human Rights under the President’s Executive Office stated that “[during the events in Khorog] certain mass media were providing materials justifying the actions of criminals and creating conditions for repetition of such events”.

The official made this remark on 24 September, at an OSCE meeting on commitments in the area of human dimension.

The accusation against the Tajik non-state media was voiced after a presentation made by Olga Tutubalina, deputy editor of the Asia Plus weekly.

In her speech, Tutubalina stated that the Tajik authorities regularly block news web sites – both local and foreign.

27 September
Ibrohim Usmonov, journalist, Dushanbe

The Tajik weekly Asia Plus published an interview with a journalist and researcher Ibrohim Usmonov (#72, 24.09.2012) where he contemplates the impact of the Internet on Tajikistan’s information environment.

“The traditional media have lost their former influence. Only the information network can provide the audience with instant response on current events. The Internet is a weapon of mass influence; however, it does not mean that the authorities should impose prohibitions. On the contrary, the government must be open – to avoid grounds for criticism”.

2. Actions of public officials defining the status of the media and the factual situation

21 September
Beg Zukhurov, head of the government’s Communication Service, Dushanbe

On 21 September, after a two-month blocking, some of the local Internet service providers opened access to the web site of the Tajik leading news agency Asia Plus.

It remains unknown whether the Tajik Communication Service under the President has officially ordered to unblock access to the web resource. According to Asia Plus, the providers did not have any written errand on the blocking; however, it is quite obvious that there was a “command from above”. The expert see a clear relation between the blocking of access to the web site and the recent publications in Asia Plus criticizing the authorities.

Commenting the situation, Beg Zukhurov, head of the Communication Service told Radio Ozodi (the Tajik service of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty) that he has ordered the Internet providers to restore access to Asia Plus. “The time has come for this web site [Asia Plus] to become a decent one and stop attempts of inappropriate criticism”, — he was quoted as saying.

In the mean time, Zukhurov told Asia Plus that he gave no any orders on blocking. “We have a special group [for censorship] tracing the web sites defaming the country and the government, but Asia Plus is not in that list”, — he said.

The official added that the Internet providers blocked the web site on their own initiative, and he is ready to figure out why they have done this.

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

7 September

Shabakai Avval, state TV

On 7 September, the Tajik state television switched to digital broadcasting in the mode 24×7.

Shabakai Avval (the First Channel) intends to expand its broadcasting coverage not only in the country, but also abroad.

At present, four state TV channels broadcast in the country – Shabakai Avval, Safina, Jahonnamo, and Bakhoriston (a TV station for children).

7 September

All media, Dushanbe

At a round table “The role of mass media in public stability and national unity” held in Dushanbe on 7 September, some journalists proposed to wear certain “uniforms” while covering specific events.

On 6 September, Tajik journalists went to a march of protest organized spontaneously by vendors from one of the markets in Dushanbe to protect their rights. A number of media professionals had problems with the law enforcement agencies. The chief editor of the Tajik weekly Nigokh Saimiddin Dustov spent three hours at a police station.
29 September

The Persian TV Channel, Dushanbe

The Tajik weekly Asia Plus published an article titled “What impedes the launching of a Persian television in Dushanbe?” (#71, 20.09.12).

According to the medium, the Tajik Foreign Ministry is trying to create a proper legal basis for the TV channel, which would belong to three neighboring Persian-language countries – Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran with the headquarters in Dushanbe.

“As soon as the legal basis is created, the editing and broadcasting equipment delivered from Iran will be exempted from customs fees”, — Davlatali Nazriev, head of the Foreign Ministry’s information department was quoted as saying.

According to the Iranian embassy in Dushanbe, the equipment worth of 2 million Euro has been delivered a while ago. “However, the equipment got stuck in the airport, and the Tajik customs service insists on paying $400 thousand for clearance”, — a source i9n the embassy said.

The Iranian source also added that the constant postponing of the launching of the TV channel has something to do with the official position of the Afghan authorities regarding the broadcasting policy of the new TV station and with ideological and creative contents of TV programs.

Сентябрь, 20
All media, Dushanbe

On 27 September, the Public Union under the President’s Office held a session of the Social Partnership Club to discuss the issues of formation of secure information space and switching to digital broadcasting.

Shahlo Akobirova, director of NGO Khoma and Asomuddin Atoev, director of the virtual academy ICT (information-communication technology) made relevant presentations regarding digital broadcasting and secure information space.

In 2006, among 104 states, Tajikistan signed the Treaty “Geneva 2006” obliging the country to entirely switch to digital broadcasting.

A number of relevant issues emerged in this regard; one of them is the necessity to strengthen the secure information space and informed society.
3. Действия журналистов и СМИ по защите своих прав

20 September
National Association of Independent Mass Media, Dushanbe

The Tajik media community asked the Prosecutor General’s Office to express a legal opinion regarding the actions of law enforcement officers against reporters who covered the events in Dushanbe, which followed the fire at the Korvon wholesale market on the southern outskirts of the capital.

Commenting on that, chairman of NANSMIT Nuriddin Karshiboev said that at least nine cases of violations of professional rights were registered by the monitoring service on 6 September, during the spontaneous march of protest attended by the market vendors.

Karshiboev added that leaders of Tajik media organizations have developed a plan of actions to protect the interests of the media community and ensure solidarity. The main provision of the plan is a dialogue with heads of the law enforcement agencies and the Prosecutor General’s Office.
20 September

All media, Dushanbe

The Tajik media community intends to apply to the General Prosecutor’s Office with a complaint about violations of rights of journalists in the country.

The Tajik news portal TJinform quoted Khilvatshokh Khojaev, Secretary General of the Tajik Media Council as saying that the number of cases of violation of professional and civil rights of journalists has grown recently”.

Khojaev referred to the recent events in the city of Khorog, administrative center of Gorno Badakhshan and the incidents in Dushanbe related to the Korvon market disorders. Law enforcement officers confiscated photo and video equipment; some reporters were detained at police stations.

II. VIOLATION OF RIGHTS IN THE MEDIA

1. Limitation of access to information 

24 September

Information agency TojNews, Dushanbe

The Tajik Communication Service under the President’s Office gave an order to local Internet service providers to block access to the TojNews web portal.

According to the Indem company, the founder of TojNews, the Internet service providers initially received SMS messages from the Communication Service, which was followed by an official written notification.

“Regrettably, the Internet providers – in defiance of the national legislation and the international law – have followed the order and closed access to www.tojnews.org, — says a statement issued by Indem. — For ten days, we have been trying to receive official comments on these actions, but to no avail”.

The statement also says that the actions of the authorities are unlawful; this can push the independent media towards adversaries of the government.

2. Impediments to professional activities

7 September

Saimuddin Dustov, editor, Nigokh weekly, Dushanbe

On 6 September, the Tajik police detained Saimuddin Dustov, the chief editor of the Nigokh weekly who was collecting information about the incident at the Korvon market in Dushanbe and protestors who tried to defend their commercial rights. After four hours, the editor was released, and the police apologized for the detention.

According to Dustov, the police officers acted impolitely. The situation changed when the chief of the municipal police arrived to speak with protestors.

7 September
Information agency Tojnews, Dushanbe

A correspondent of the Tajik private news agency Tojnews told the NANSMIT monitoring service about the impediments created by police officers for journalists covering the marching of protesters from the Korvon market in Dushanbe. The journalist told that she is personally acquainted with the head of the municipal police, and she asked him to take measures and let the media do their work. The police commander gave an order to his subordinates, but the situation was barely under control, and the officers kept treating journalists like other protestors, i.e. quite rudely.
7 September

Asia Plus weekly, Dushanbe

On 6 September, the Tajik police detained temur varki, the correspondent of the Tajik weekly Asia Plus who had an errand to cover the incident at the Korvon market in Dushanbe.

According to the journalist, certain individuals in plain clothes who introduced themselves as police officers forcedly took his ID card away from him, after which he did not see them anymore.
7 September

Ozodagon weekly, Dushanbe

Ibodullohi Tohir, correspondent of the Ozodagon weekly was also detained by the police on 6 September.

According to him, law enforcement officers were dressed in plain clothes. The journalist decided not to apply to any law enforcement agency regarding the fact of violation of his professional rights since he cannot identify the persons who detained him.
7 September

BBC, Persian service, Dushanbe

Zevarshohi Muhammad, correspondent of the Persian service of BBC was detained by the police on 6 September. Unknown individuals dressed in civilian clothes told him to put away his video camera; then, he was pushed by the crowd, and the camera smashed down. Protestors helped him to pick up the pieces of the broken video camera.
3. Violation of the principle of transparency of judicial proceedings

3 September
Khoji Akbar Turajonzoda, theologian, Khujand, Sughd province 

On 3 September, the Khujand municipal court commenced hearings on the lawsuit initiated by the Tajik theologian Khoji Akbar Turajonzoda.

The chair of the proceeding Matluba Khabibulloeva did not permit the Asia Plus correspondent to participate in the process explaining that “the court is conducting only preliminary hearings”.

According to Faizinisso Vokhidova, the defense lawyer protecting the interests of Turajonzoda, the Tajik legislation does not have any restrictions for media coverage, even if the proceedings are preliminary.

It should be noted that the defendants in Turajonzoda’s litigation, where he complains about his affected honor and dignity, are the head of the Sughd province Council of Ulems (spiritual leaders), the chief imam of the Isfara city mosque, and a journalist from the Sughd province television.

4. Violation of economic rights

11 September
All media, Dushanbe

On 10 and 11 September, the Sharki Ozod printing facility experienced continuous outages of electricity. Sharki Ozod provides its services to almost all Tajik periodicals.

Editors and media managers have different opinions about the reason of the blackouts. Some of them say that it has a lot to do with the incident at the Korvon market.

The municipal electric company said that the outages have no political grounds whatsoever; they were caused by damages within the grid. The line that feeds the printing house goes through the territory of Korvon – the market affected by the recent massive fire.

13 September

Maorifi Tojikiston, Ministry of Education, Dushanbe

Shodi Shokirzoda, editor of Maorifi Tojikiston, the official printing body of the Ministry of Education approached the Tajik State Postal Service complaining about the money that should have been received a while ago from subscribers. It is noted in his letter that the editing board is unable to print new issues of the magazine because the transfer still has not been made.

Freedom of Speech in Tajikistan

August 2012

 

In August 2012, the Monitoring Service received 21 reports. Nine of them describe the factual situation in the media in the light of social, legal and political environment; eleven reports describe direct violations of rights of media professionals; and one report describes 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

10 August

Rustam Mengliev, Minister of Justice

On 9 August, the UN Committee on Liquidation of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in Geneva finished discussions on Tajikistan’s reports on legal, judicial, administrative and other measures against racial discrimination.

According to the UN News Center, the Tajik Justice Minister noticed that the racial equality is properly described in the National Constitution as a basic rights.

 

There are 137 ethnic groups residing in the country with the population of 7,8 million people.
According to Mengliev, citizens of Tajikistan enjoy freedom of speech; many information agencies and mass media operate in different languages.

2. The media environment and the freedom of speech

2 August
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

The Paris-based organization Reporters Without Borders issued a statement concerning the clocking of a number of web sites belonging to news agencies, naming Tajikistan “a country standing close to the category of enemies of the Internet”.
The statement says that “by censoring online publications, the Tajik authorities bring their country closer to Kazakhstan; and in the future, the country might find itself close to such countries as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan”.

RSF published its statement in response to the blocking of Tajik and foreign web resources, such as Asia Plus, BBC and YouTube.
6 August
SMT TV, Dushanbe

The only private TV company operating in the Tajik capital – Simoi Mustakili Tojikiston (Independent Television of Tajikistan) commenced broadcasting on 6 August on a new frequency.

According to Zinatullo Ismoilov, founder and director of the TV company, in the last two years, his TV station could not broadcast because the Russian Federal TV channel “RTR-Planeta” occupied the very same broadcasting frequency.
From now on, SMT TV will broadcast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 11 p.m. in Dushanbe and its suburbs – Rudali, Varzob, Vahdat, Gissar, Shahrinav, Yavan and Faizabad districts.
SMT first launched its programs in 2007. Since 2010, it’s been dormant because of the technical reasons – the coincidence of broadcasting frequencies.
22 August

All media, Khujand
The Sughd province administration conducted an sociological opinion poll in Spitamen district with the purpose to improve access to information among the local population. The district is not fully covered by the four existing Tajik state TV station. At present, broadcasting signals from 8 TV and 16 radio stations from Uzbekistan and 2 Kyrgyz TV stations are available in the district.
3. Journalists protecting their rights

3 August

All media, Dushanbe

The Tajik Union of Journalists, the Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media, the Tajik Media Alliance and the Tajik Media Council issued a joint statement condemning unlawful actions of the Government Communication Service limiting access to national and foreign information resources. The media organizations urge the state body to stop lawlessness in the national information space.
The authors indicate that the limited access to information is seen as a rude violation of constitutional rights in the country; it becomes a “stable trend” in the policy of the State Communication Service.

 

In 2012, the Communication Service has repeatedly blocked access to 15 information resources. The stance of Internet providers is seen as a troublesome symptom – uncomplainingly, they follow the Service’s unlawful demands becoming accomplices in the violation of rights of companies and individuals.
National and foreign media organizations have reacted against the restricting actions by the Tajik communication authorities; concrete measures have been suggested to regulate the Internet in the country. “We believe that the ignoring of the international and domestic information standards by the state body negatively affects the image of Tajikistan. It also undermines the trust of interstate structures and financial institutions to democratic transformations conducted by the Tajik authorities”, — the statement says.

 

8 August

Asia Plus, Dushanbe

The Asia Plus information agency approached all media organizations in Tajikistan seeking support in relation to the recent event. “We are going to appeal to the court, but in view of the fact that it is difficult to technically prove the blocking of our web site by the state communication service, we need to collect necessary documents. We need to consult our lawyers, and we need support of the Tajik mass media”, — the statement says.
“The situation is very complicated, but we cannot tolerate this anymore. Today, they are chasing us; tomorrow, they will be harassing the other media, enjoying their impunity. The apathy among our colleagues-journalists can only enforce their sense of impunity and permissiveness”, — the statement says.

9 August

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and NANSMIT

The international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT) sent a joint statement to Beg Zukhurov, head of the Tajik government Communication Service.

 

The media organizations are concerned about the Communication Service’s intention to create a specific group to monitor online publications and trace “offensive or defaming” publications.
The statement says that such system of control can lead to total blocking of online publications and closing access to web sites. “We agree that libel should be punishable; however, such cases should be considered in court, where complainants and defendants have access to fair trial”.

 

It is also noted in the statement that in recent years, the Communication Service under the government continuously persecutes private news organizations by blocking their web sites.
14 August

Asia Plus, Dushanbe

On 14 August 2012, the Tajik private news agency Asia Plus changed its address —http://www.asia-plus.tj. Since 2010, the web site had a different IP domain — news.tj, which is still legitimate under an agreement with the Tajik Ministry of Culture. The Asia Plus managers say that the access to the news agency’s web site is still limited due to the order of the government Communication Service to the Internet providers.

Zebo Tajibaeva, executive director of Asia Plus told NANSMIT that her agency is preparing an appeal to court against the head of the Communication Service, Beg Zukhuruv concerning the illegal blocking to the web site.

15 August

All media, Dushanbe

The public organization The Union of Young Russian Compatriots held a training in Dushanbe for journalists working for Russian-language media. Representatives of all regions took part in the seminar conducted from 15 to 18 August.
Michail Petrushkov, chairman of the organization told the media that this is the first seminar of that kind held in Tajikistan; it is financially supported by the foundation Russian World.
“The organizers pursued the goal to efficiently counter xenophobia, racial, national, religious discrimination and other negative trends in relations between peoples and ethnicities”, — he added.

II. VIOLATIONS OF RIGHTS IN THE MEDIA

1. Limited access to information

1 August

Asia Plus, Dushanbe

On 1 August 2012, the government Communication Service ordered domestic Internet providers to block access to the web site belonging to the Tajik private news agency Asia Plus.
Zebo Tajibaeva, the web site’s editor told the media that the Communication Service received the information about the blockage from one of the Internet providers.

 

In the last ten days, this is the second registered case of blocking. The editor cannot get in touch with the Communication Service administration.
1 August

The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe

On 1 August 2012, the Embassy of the United States in Dushanbe published a statement expressing concern about continuous blocking of certain web sites and the Youtube resource.

Inter alia, the statement says that the United States consider the freedom of expression in public places, as well as in the Internet as a universal right. We support freedom of speech everywhere in the world, and we urge other countries to follow these principles. When ideas are blocked, information is deleted, talks are silenced, and people have limited access to information, the Internet loses its essence for us. We will continue discussions on this topic with the government of Tajikistan.
17 August

Radio Sweden

Radio Sweden criticized the telecommunication company TeliaSonera, which, according to the media, is blocking access to more than 50 web sites in Tajikistan. According to the REGNUM news agency, this company provides Internet services under the brand name of Т-Cell.

Thomas Johnson, head of TeliaSonera’s information service told Radio Sweden that the blocking of access to the web resources is performed at the direction of the Tajik authorities. He personally considers that access to the Internet must be free, but his company has to follow the instructions of the hosting country, which interprets its decisions as those based on national security interests.
The T-Cell company has been repeatedly criticized by human rights organizations. Accroding to Swedish media, TeliaSonera also assists the Tajik authorities in controlling the political opposition in the country.

 

TeliaSonera works in Moldova (Moldcell), Uzbekistan (Ucell), Azerbaijan (Azercell), Tajikistan (Тcell), Georgia (Geocell) and Kazakhstan (Kcell).
2. Ungrounded limitation of access to information

25 August

www.tojnews.org, Dushanbe

On 25 August 2012, Zainuddin Orifi, correspondent of the information agency www.tojnews.org tried to find information about 880 tons of cement shipped from the Iranian city of Shiraz to Tajikistan.
The journalist got this information from the head of the Shiraz a railway station. In order to get clarifications, he approached the Tajik Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and to the Tajik Railways Company. Both state agencies refused to share any information referring to various reasons and excuses.
3. Detention of a journalist

10 August
Pazvok newspaper, Kulyab, Khatlon province

On 9 August 2012, Bakhriddin Sangimadov, correspondent of the newspaper Pazhvok was detained by law enforcement servicemen in Shurabad district and delivered to the Farkhor district interior department in Khatlon province.

 

According to Orzu Khamidov, editor of Pazhvok, his correspondent went to Shurabad to visit his parents. In his house, he was captured by people in camouflage uniforms. They did not present any warrant, put a bag upon his head, and told his parents that they will release him after a brief interrogation.
The editor is concerned that the correspondent was detained in one place, was delivered to another one and placed in the police detention center. He is also worrying that neither relatives, nor friends are allowed to see Sangimadov, whereas the police do not explain the reason for detention.
Sangimadov wrote many articles disclosing social and economic problems in Shurabad district. Apart from working for Pazhvok, he also cooperated with the newspaper Anvori Donish, a printing body of the Kulyab State University and the British Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR).

12 August
Pazvok newspaper, Kulyab, Khatlon province

Bakhriddin Sangimadov was released after two days spent at the interior department detention center in Farkhor district, Khatlon province.
4. Journalist facing threats

28 August
Farazh weekly, Dushanbe

On 27 August 2012, the judge Khakimov of the Farkhor district court threatened to punish Makhmudjon Rakhmatov, correspondent of the Farazh weekly who tried to use his recording device during the hearings. Rakhmatov claims that the judge used insulting words addressing to the correspondent’s mother.
The journalist told the media that his family had a land dispute with one resident of the village they live in; the judge conducted hearings “in absentia” and pronounced a verdict in the favor of the rival.
Rakhmatov’s mother was summoned to the court; she came with her son. When the judge noticed that the journalist records his obscenities against the lady, he tried to attach him. The judge ordered his subordinates to lead the journalist away verbally promising to “settle accounts” with him.

 

The court officials called a policeman, after which Rakhmatov was accompanied to the police station. Shortly afterwards, he was released.

 

The journalist intends to appeal against the judge for his incorrect behavior.

5. Impediments to professional activities

31 August

Radio Ozodi (Liberty), Dushanbe

On 31 August 2012, Abdullohi Ashur and Zarangezi Navruzshoh, correspondents of Radio Ozodi in came to the residency of the Tajik president to collect information about a protest rally organized by Tajik university enrollees. The students were displeased with answers they received from the Ministry of Education regarding admission exams in Kazakh universities, and they came to complain to the president Emomali Rakhmon.
The police politely asked the journalists to leave the place; however, they had done their work. On the way back to their office, they were stopped by people in military uniform who ordered to follow them to the police station. Those servicemen were also polite with the correspondents, although they took away their technical equipment.

 

The journalists spend only half of an hour at the Ismoili Somoni district police station, and were released after a conversation with the head of the police. The official told the journalists that the detention proved to be a misunderstanding.

6. Violation of procedural norms of criminal legislation

22 August
Najot weekly, PIRT, Dushanbe

The Pyanj district interior department launched an investigation into the beating of Khikmatullo Saifullozoda, the editor of the Najot weekly, the printing body of the Tajik Party of Islamic Renaissance (PIRT). Last winter, Saifullozoda was attacked by unknown assailants.

 

According to deputy chairman of PIRT Makhmadali Khait, last year, Saifullozoda applied to the Sino district prosecutor’s office, but no investigation was conducted. The PIRT administration applied to the prosecutor general’s office, but even then, the party received no response. The prosecutor general only verbally confirmed that he personally will monitor the investigation into the case. Only recently, it has been found out that the case is transferred to the Pyanj district interior department.

 

The PIRT deputy leader expressed bewilderment – Saifullozoda was attacked in Dushanbe, and the criminal case is being investigated in Pyanj district, hundreds of kilometers from the capital.

 

PIRT sees a clear relation between Saifullozoda’s professional activities and the attack. “The Pyanj district interior department tries to relate the beating to “family conflicts”, but it has no ground. This is a political case, and it concerns his professional activities”, — the party deputy chairman said.

7. Ungrounded accusation of abetment

4 August

Prosecutor General’s Office, Dushanbe

The Tajik Prosecutor General’s Office accused local and foreign media of abetting the organizers of clashes in Khorog, the administrative center of Gorno-Badakhshan and of “assisting to implement the planned program of foreigners”. The statement is expressed in an official letter addressed to the TojNews information agency.

The letter also says that “some local and foreign journalists openly support the implementation of a planned program running errands of enemies of our state and people”.

III. CONFLICTS. VIOLATIONS AND ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THE MEDIA AND JOURNALISTS

1. Requirements on refutation of unverified information

10 August

Shabakai Avval, Tajik state television, Dushanbe

On 7 August 2012, the Shohmansur district court in Dushanbe held hearings on the lawsuit initiated by the mayor’s office against the Tajik State TV station Shabakai Avval (The First Channel), and obliged the administration of the medium to present an apology to the municipal administration within one month.
Apart from that, Shabakai Avval must present a refutation of information previously presented in the news program Akhbor.

 

The mayor’s office press secretary Shavkat Saidov told the media that the city administration is satisfied with the court’s decision. “The municipal authorities did not require any moral or material compensation from the TV station”, — he added.

In July, the mayor’s office approached the court in Shohmansur district claiming that the TV channel criticized the municipal authorities one-sidedly and in a biased manner.

 

Abdufattokh Vokhidov

Coordinator of the Monitoring Network in Tajikistan

 

Nuriddin Karshiboev

Project Coordinator