DUSHANBE, December 23, 2015, Asia-Plus — This fall in Tajikistan, the General Prosecutor”s Office, being guided by local laws, have asked Tcell to provide tools for surveillance.
In statement released on December 22, TeliaSonera, which is one the world’s major telecom operators, notes that “this fall Tajik Prosecutor-General’s Office, being guided by local laws, asked Tcell [Tcell is part of the TeliaSonera group] to provide modems with an Internet traffic for technical support of the United State Headquarters on investigation of events connected with armed rebellion, also especially serious crimes connected with participation of citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan in the international terrorist organizations in the territory of the foreign countries. Thus, the Prosecutor General”s Office of the Republic of Tajikistan won”t interfere with commercial and economic activities of Tcell. There is no formal legal obligation to provide free facilities and Tcell is therefore reviewing these practices.”
The statement notes that Tcell is fulfilling the requests solely on the basis of that the Authority has ascertained that the tools will be used exclusively for surveillance regarding illegal activities in accordance with the local law.
“We have committed to report transparently, when relevant and to the extent legally permissible, in relation to unconventional requests issued by government authorities,” the statement says.
“The policy of TeliaSonera is not to engage in the politics of the countries in which we operate. We do not comment on politics or make political statements when representing our company. However, TeliaSonera does engage in dialogue regarding requests from authorities that affect our business and customers of companies in which we have ownership interests.”
