Persecution for telling truth, self-censorship, limited access to publicly important information, “forbidden grounds” – are in the list of troubles of the Tajik journalism. In 2008, these problems have become even more visible and palpable.

Such was the conclusion made by participants of the discussion on Media Sustainability Index (MSI) last Saturday, 6 December. The discussion was organized by International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX). The MSI meetings have become traditional; they are convened annually, by the end of the year.

Among the “newly emerged troubles”, the Tajik media have received amendments to Tajikistan’s Criminal Code establishing responsibility for “defamation of public officials”. Besides that, law-makers decided to “equalize” the media with the Internet, i.e. from now on, everything published in online outlets will be considered as published in printing media.

The Tajik media have to resolve a great number of problems – lack of human resources and trained professionals, poor technical and logistical bases, especially in provinces, etc. – to get closer to the internationally acknowledged standards of journalism.

ABOUT IREX
IREX is an international nonprofit organization specializing in education, independent media, Internet development, and civil society programs in the United States, Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of $50 million and a staff of over 500 professionals worldwide. IREX and its partner IREX Europe deliver cross-cutting programs and consulting expertise in more than 50 countries.

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