DUSHANBE, February 28, 2013, Asia-Pus — Members of Tajikistan’s upper house (Majlisi Milli) of parliament have unanimously seconded the new RT Law “On Press and Other Mass Media.”
The 13th session of the Majlisi Milli, presided over by its head, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, was held on February 28.
Speaking on this subject, Mamadsho Ilolov, President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, noted that the new media law was aimed at further democratization of Tajik society and protection of freedom of speech in the country.
“Today, Tajik media play an important role in creation of public opinion concerning various issues and problems facing the country, protect interests of the people and at the necessary for the State moments they protect national interests,” academician Ilolov noted.
Majlisi Milli Speaker Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev called on senators, heads of ministries and agencies as well as chairpersons of regions, cities and districts to thoroughly study the new media law.
“In the future, we will have to answer to society under the provisions of this law,” Ubaidulloyev stressed.
We will recall that the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) passed the new media law on December 12, 2012.
The law replaced the 1990 Law on Press and Other Mass Media that has been repeatedly criticized by local media organizations and international organizations.
The previous Tajikistan’s law on press and other mass media was adopted on December 14, 1990, and various changes and addenda were made to it in 1992, 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2002.
The new media law reportedly contains a number of positive features, including a proclamation of mass media freedom and a ban on censorship and persecution for criticism.
Under the new law, all media outlets in Tajikistan will be registered as legal entities and public agencies will have to answer journalist inquiries within three days.
