“Decriminalization of aspersion and offence in the media is an essential step forward in development of democracy in the society” is the slogan of the International Conference held on 9 October in Dushanbe by the public organization “Khoma”. The Conference was supported by the UN Democracy Development Fund, OSCE and Internews Network.

More than 100 participants representing Tajikistan’s Supreme Court, the mass media, professors of Tajik universities, scholars and human rights watchdogs took part in the event.

The participants discussed the importance of attracting the attention of the public and the authorities to the existing legislation envisaging criminal responsibility for libel and offence in the media. Many media professionals and human rights activists consider that some articles in the Tajik laws impede the work of the media outlets, and journalists experience pressure, especially when it concerns publications about Tajik officials.

Representatives of the media and human rights organizations consider that these articles should be abolished in Tajikistan’s Criminal Code.

NANSMIT Monitoring Service