On Thursday November 7, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met in Zurich with Mr. Jamie Fly, the President of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
At the outset of the meeting Emomali Rahmon reportedly underlined that the Government of Tajikistan attaches great importance to the freedom of the press and ensuring freedom of speech in the country. He noted that necessary efforts are being taken to create free and stable atmosphere for the activity of the local and foreign media outlets.
Tajik leader noted that the recent news about the closure of Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, locally known as Radio Ozodi is absolute falsehood. He added that today 18 employees of Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service are accredited in Tajikistan and each of them is working freely. At the same time, the President emphasized that in some post-Soviet countries the activity of RFE/RL is prohibited.
Rahmon reportedly indicated that in recent years Radio Ozodi in its reports has engaged in propaganda of activities of the terrorist groups, which are banned by the decision of the Supreme Court.
He emphasized that such violations, regardless of their media affiliation, are not allowed. Rahmon said that the activity of any media should be strictly based on the laws of Tajikistan, in particular the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Periodical Press and other Mass Media.
The head of state demanded that the leadership of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, while reflecting political, economic and social life of Tajikistan, produce realistic material that are based on the views of the civil society, the Tajik president’s press service said. .
Meanwhile, Radio Liberty says Fly has called on Rahmon to ensure that the right of Tajik audiences to receive objective news and reporting are respected and that Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalists in Tajikistan can work freely and without intimidation.
Fly told Tajik leader that “RFE/RL adheres to the highest journalistic standards, and will not compromise these standards because of government threats or intimidation.”
Fly said he “cannot accept a situation where RFE/RL journalists are selectively accredited or only accredited for short durations,” and indicated that if the problem was not resolved promptly, RFE/RL would need to review its operations in Tajikistan.
Rahmon “indicated the important nature of Radio Ozodi's work and stated that he wanted Ozodi to remain in Tajikistan," Fly said.
