Media outlets disseminate unverified information about the detention of citizens in connection with an attempt to commit terrorist attacks in the country on thieve of the Navrouz festival, the state-run news agency Khovar reported on April 3, citing the press center of the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan (SCNS).
“Some the so-called independent media are engaged in distorting the situation and disseminate various unverified and provocative information about the arrest of citizens in connection with the attempt to commit terrorist acts [in the country] on the eve of the Navrouz festival. We emphasize that these reports have no basis in reality,” reads the statement, according to Khovar news agency.
A number of local and foreign media outlets, including Asia-Plus, citing their sources within the power-wielding structures and security services, reported last week that SCNS officers arrested 15 people who reportedly attempted to commit terrorist attacks in Dushanbe Vahdat Township on the eve of the Navrouz festival.
The media outlets noted at the time that they were unable to officially confirm or deny that information from the security authorities.
The country’s authorities and power-wielding structures did not make official statements on this matter and did not refute that information until April 3.
