QURGHON TEPPA, March 13, Asia-Plus - A conference of the Khatlon branch of the Tajik Journalists’ Union scheduled for March 10 was not held again.  

Sherali Yahyoyev, head of the Khatlon branch of the Tajik Journalists’ Union , has told Asia-Plus that is no necessity in holding the conference until amendments to the RT Law “On Public Associations” or the Tajik Journalists’ Union Charter are made.  

According to him, under the present Charter of the Tajik Journalists’ Union heads of regional branches are not appointed but elected by members of the organization.  

“However, the Khatlon Justice Department considers that the Tajik Journalists’ Union should appoint head of its regional branches by itself,” said Yahyoyev, “I think they [Khatlon justice department just want to appoint to this post their own candidate.”  “These recommendations of the Khatlon Justice Department are in contrary to law and democratic norms,” Mr. Yahyoyev said.  

“In the meantime, the Ministry of Justice has sent to the Tajik Journalist’s Union a letter demanding that it should submit its documents to the Ministry of Justice within 30 days,” said the source, “Otherwise, the Ministry of Justice will apply asking for considering further activity of the Union .”