DUSHANBE, March 31, 2010, Asia-Plus — We are very concerned with freedom of press here in Tajikistan, the US Ambassador to Tajikistan Mr. Kenneth E. Gross told the reporters ahead of the court hearings against three independent editions of Tajikistan – Asia-Plus, Farazh and Ozadagon.
“It is extremely important in any country that the press has opportunity to report freely what happens, without any restrictions, threats, or punishments through judicial means or otherwise,” the diplomat has said. “We are here today to observe and see what happens in court. Hopefully, the court will uphold the principle of freedom of press.”
“We are not here to speculate what the court may or may not do. That would be inappropriate”, the Ambassador said answering the question about further steps of the US Embassy if the results of the court are against the journalists.
“It would be inappropriate to do so”, he said. “we are here today to observe and see what happens in court. Hopefully, the court will uphold the principle of freedom of press. I wouldn’t want to say that until we hear what the court decides. It would be premature to talk about this before the court issues its judgment.”
The first trial over the lawyer Solijon Juarev and three independent newspapers – Asia-Plus, Farazh and Ozodagon – was postponed to today.
