“Independent Tajik media have become more courageous; they attracted attention of citizens to acute social problems, such as corruption and inefficiency of government agencies. This is an explanation to the growing trend of filing legal cases against the media by the authorities”, — said Muhiddin Kabiri, chairman of the Tajik Islamic Renaissance Party.

Kabiri interpreted the actions of officials as “a certain pressure on the media, whereas the latter apply very strong censorship towards themselves”.

“It is obvious that the authorities decided to organize a “united front” [against the private media], since it is not in their interests to make their shortcomings public – when the society learns what’s going on within these [government] structures”.

The political leader advised representatives of “the fourth power” to unite and protect their own interests. “There have been cases when certain journalists or media had to confront the government bureaucracy alone. Some officials feel confident that they can easily intimidate the media, especially private outlets”, — he added.

Kabiri also says that in this situation journalists should publish more audacious articles, since “withdrawal means weakness, which would further stimulate pressure from government officials on the media”.

Asia Plus