DUSHANBE, August 17, 2009, Asia-Plus — On Monday August 17, Tajik Journalists’ Union, the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit) and the Media Alliance of Tajikistan release a joint statement, in which they expressed concern about the closure of the independent Imrouz (Today) radio station and the present situation that emerged in the country’s information space.
The independent radio station Imrouz was established two years ago and it has managed to win a broad audience in a short period. Due to the new approach to creation of programs, responsiveness and observance of the principle of pluralism of opinions, the radio station has become very popular in Dushanbe and the surrounding area.
Unfortunately, Imrouz has experienced broadcasting problems triply over this period.
A new problem arose in late July this year and on August 11, Imrouz was taken off the air. Officials from Teleradiocom (Tajikistan’s national radio and television operator) attribute closure of Imrouz to technical problems. They say the radio station Imrouz has stopped broadcasting in the FM range for technical reasons, while the Imrouz representatives consider their arguments to be unfounded. According to them, the main purpose of this situation is in preventing Imrouz from broadcasting, according to the statement.
Media organizations of Tajikistan consider that such incidents are inadmissible ahead of the upcoming political event in the country – parliamentary elections due in February 2010. Irrespective of reasons for such actions, such a step is assessed by international community as restriction on freedom of speech and undermines Tajikistan’s prestige. “We call on the sides to solve arising problem substantially within the framework of the country’s legislation, precluding personal, corporate and political interests,” the statement said.
Imrouz is part of Orienbonk’s media-holding group. Among local it is known as a serious Tajik-language station. It broadcast news reports focusing on Tajikistan’s political and social sphere, as well as music.
For the first time, Imrouz was shut down in February 2008 but was back on the air less than three days after. For the second time, Tajik authorities took the radio station off the air in April 2008; Imrouz was shut down on April 8 and was back on the air in four days.
