DUSHANBE, May 13, 2011, Asia-Plus — The National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit) has released a statement in which it calls on officials and public figures to show tolerance and recall their lawsuits filed against media outlets and journalists.
According to the Tajik media watchdog, at least five defamation lawsuits filed against media outlets and journalists are currently being considered by courts.
The statement, in particular, says that decision by a court in Dushanbe’s Sino district to stop civil case over lawsuit by three judges against the Dushanbe independent newspapers
Farazh
,
Ozodagon
and
Asia-Plus
is good sign of strengthening of democratic principles of freedom of speech and media in the country. The case was stopped in connection with renunciation by the plaintiffs of their suit.
Referring to estimates of the Nansmit experts, Qarshiboyev noted that that step was an adequate reaction of the plaintiffs to a response drawn by statements made by journalist and international community over that case.
“This, however, does not detract from their merit and honor and does not undermine image of representatives of the judicial branch of power; on contrary, this demonstrates their refusal of personal and corporate ambitions in order to meet interests of society,” the statement said.
In the meantime, Mahmadyusuf Ismoilov, a correspondent for
Nouri Zindagi
, is still being held under arrest and defamation lawsuits filed by former UBOP chief Anvar Taghoymurodov, who is currently Deputy Minister of Interiors, and ex-MP Sayvali Nourov against the Dushanbe independent newspapers
Asia-Plus
and
Charkhi Gardoun
are still being considered by courts.
The statement notes that all lawsuits filed against media outlets and journalists are connected with their professional activities and Tajik journalists are mainly prosecuted for criticizing officials.
Nansmit has called on all officials and public figures to follow the judges’ example and recall their lawsuits filed against media outlets and journalists.
