EUROPEAN UNION
DELEGATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN

Local EU Statement on decriminalisation of libel in Tajikistan

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement
with the EU Heads of Mission

The EU Delegation to Tajikistan welcomes the adopted amendments to the Criminal
Code of the Republic of Tajikistan abolishing two articles providing for criminal defamation. The EU Delegation trusts that this measure will make a positive contribution to the respect of the freedom of the media and freedom of expression in Tajikistan.

At the same time, the EU Delegation notes that the Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan still foresees criminal charges in certain cases and encourages the Tajik Government to abolish the remaining provisions and thus entirely decriminalise defamation.

The EU will continue to support the development of media freedom and freedom of
expression in Tajikistan.

In Dushanbe on 05 July 2012

EU Delegation to Tajikistan