The National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit) and the Media Council of Tajikistan have called on the Tajik authorities to restore accreditation of journalists of Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, locally known as Radio Ozodi.
In a statement released on October 23, Nansmit and the Media Council express concern over the situation related to the issue of accreditation of Radio Ozodi journalists and ask the authorities to review the regulations for the accreditation of foreign journalists in the country.
They, in particular, call on the authorities not to use the foreign media accreditation mechanism to restrict freedom of speech in the country.
The use of the foreign media accreditation mechanism for repressive purposes “undermines the image of Tajikistan in information community,” the statement says.
The media organizations note that foreign media accreditation requirements must not contradict international standards of freedom of information and norm of the country’s legislation.
According to them, Tajikistan’s legislation on freedom of information is outdated and should be reviewed.
“We call on the Government of Tajikistan to review the regulations for the accreditation of foreign media in the country (approved by the government’s decree on January 27, 1995) in order to bring this by-law into compliance with international obligations and norms of the country’s legislation,” the statement says.
Recall, a U.S. congressional group of lawmakers devoted to press freedom sent a letter to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in early October, expressing concern over what they say are constant harassment and threats to journalists of Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service.
