Dushanbe, 21 September 2011

The Tajik National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT), the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan (UJT) and the Tajik Media Alliance (MAT) apply to the media community seeking support for the well-know journalist Jumaboi Tolibov (Juma Tolib) who needs a serious medical treatment.
Juma Tolib has been a member of the Union of Journalists since 1984; he worked for an Ainy district printing outlet, was the founder of the Nuri Khalk weekly and wrote for many other periodicals.

In 2005, the law enforcement agencies persecuted the journalist for his publications in local newspapers where he criticized the government. In July 2005, he received a two-year term; due to efforts of lawyers and solidarity of his colleagues, in December 2005, Tolibov was released.

After the release from custody, Tolib continued his journalistic activities working for the Farazh weekly; he became the executive director of the Media Investigation Center and founded the Zarafshon Times news agency. He also headed the Linguistic Expertise Bureau and chief editor of the Paykon weekly. He is known as the author of numerous publications criticizing government officials and disclosing corruption.

Court trials and professional problems and the closure of the public organization, which was the founder of Paykon undermined the journalist’s health; at present, he is hospitalized and needs support of his colleagues and friends.

NANSMIT and UJT call upon the Tajik media community to help Juma Tolib. The fund raising is conducted by NANSMIT; the contact person is Ms. Aslibegim Manzarshoeva. Updates about the campaign will be posted on NANSMIT’s web site: www.nansmit.tj
Telephones: +992 907 767 239, +992 37 221 3 711; e-mail: asol.77@gmail.com

NANSMIT has opened a special account to mobilize funds and assit Juma Tolib:
NANSMIT
AMONATBONK, Dushanbe
Bank account: 20202972800479101000
BIK/MFO 350101626
Correspondent Account: 20402972316264
INN. 010012355
Assignment: assistance to Juma Tolib

www.nansmit