DUSHANBE, December 6, 2012, Asia-Plus — In a statement issued by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Tajikistan on December 6, the EU Delegation to Tajikistan expresses its concern about the recent blockage of Facebook, YouTube, Radio Free Europe”s affiliate Radio Ozodi and other web-based news sites.
“Although some of the blocked websites are again accessible, the EU Delegation notes with concern that such obstructions occur frequently in Tajikistan which raises questions about the state of media freedom.
“The EU Delegation calls on the Tajik authorities to respect and promote the freedom of media and freedom of expression, in line with Tajikistan”s international obligations. The EU Delegation believes that the Internet should remain a forum where people are free to exchange information and ideas and therefore urges the Tajik authorities to ensure full and uninterrupted functioning of independent websites.”
The European Union Delegation has issued the statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Tajikistan.
The Facebook social network is available again on the Internet in Tajikistan, along with the website of Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service (Radio Ozodi).
Internet service providers (ISPs) in Tajikistan blocked Facebook last week after a request by the state-run communications service agency. Tajikistan”s leading ISPs on December 4 received orders from the Communications Service requesting that Facebook be unblocked.
Earlier on December 3, the website of Radio Liberty’s Service became available again on the Internet in Tajikistan. Radio Ozodi”s website had been blocked since late on November 29.
On December 1, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe expressed concern about the blockage of both Facebook and Radio Ozodi”s website.
