International Journalism Center MediaNet and the Kazakh International Bureau on Human Rights and Law launched a contest on best publications on problems of tortures in Central Asia.

Rukhshona Najmiddinova, Senior Media Assistant of the OSCE Center in Dushanbe told the Asia Plus news agency that the contest is one of the activities within the framework of the project “Averting tortures in Central Asia” implemented by Freedom House Europe and its partner organizations in the countries of the region under support of European Commission.

The contest jury accepts articles published in the mass media of Central Asian countries during the period from July 2007 up to date.

“Acceptable are investigative articles, analytical materials, surveys and reportages that have been published in the printing media or have been broadcast in the electronic media of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan”, — said Najmiddinova. The articles will be evaluated by an international jury comprised of journalists, lawyers and human rights activists. The deadline for submitting materials is 10 June 2008. The results will be announced on 26 June, International Day of Protection of Victims of Tortures. Three main winners will receive awards in the amounts of $1 thousand, $600 and $400».

Asia Plus