DUSHANBE, January 29, Asia-Plus – Tajik media organizations have applied to Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokon Zarifi with solicitation to clarify the situation with rejection of Ozodi (Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service) Abduqayum Qayumzod’s application for a routine renewal of his journalistic credentials.
Tajik Journalists’ Union, the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit), the Media Council of Tajikistan and Media Alliance have released a joint application to Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi with solicitation to explain the decision to reject Abduqayum Qayumzod’s application for renewal of his journalistic credentials, Qironsho Sharifzoda, Secretary General of the Media Council of Tajikistan, told Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service in an interview on January 28.
Sharifzoda noted that further actions of media organizations would depend on Zarifi’s reply.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Qayumzod’s application for renewal of his journalistic credentials several days ago. The ministry, however, has not yet explained the decision.
Abduqayum Qayumzod has worked in RFE/RL”s Dushanbe bureau since 2001, reporting on political subjects and activities of Tajikistan”s parliament, in particular. On World Press Freedom Day 2010, he was recognized by Media-Alliance, Tajikistan”s largest journalist union, for his “courageous and outstanding” reporting on corruption and other controversial issues at an event sponsored by the US Embassy in Dushanbe.
RFE/RL”s Tajik language service, Radio Ozodi, is a registered media company in Tajikistan.
