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

The EU Delegation to Tajikistan expresses its concern about the recent blockage of Facebook, YouTube, Radio Free Europe’s affiliate Radio Ozodi and other web-based news sites. Although some of the blocked websites are again accessible, the EU Delegation notes with concern that such obstructions occur frequently in Tajikistan which raises questions about the state of media freedom.

The EU Delegation calls on the Tajik authorities to respect and promote the freedom of media and freedom of expression, in line with Tajikistan’s international obligations. The EU Delegation believes that the Internet should remain a forum where people are free to exchange information and ideas and therefore urges the Tajik authorities to ensure full and uninterrupted functioning of independent websites.

www.deltjk.ec.europa.eu