DUSHANBE, May 4, Asia-Plus -- On May 3, an awards ceremony was held in the publishing-house Sharqi Ozod in Dushanbe for the winners of the competition for promoting development of journalism in Tajikistan. 

The competition was conducted by Tajik Journalists’ Union and a number of Tajik media organizations under financial support of under support of the Tajik Branch of Open Society Institute/Assistance Foundation (OSI/AF), British Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) and the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia. 

The goal of the competition was to promote further development and active involvement of mass media in Tajikistan and increase professional skills of journalists in covering problems facing society.  Journalists participated in the following categories: economic reforms; social development and democratization of society.    

After consideration of all submitted works, the jury took the following decision:

In the category “Economics”, 1st place – article by Nourali Davlatov, Dushanbe weekly Nigoh ; and 2nd place – article by Yekaterina Kozhevnikova, Dushanbe weekly Asia-Plus.         

Khurshed Atovullo, correspondent with weekly Farazh , became winner in the category “”Democratic Reforms”

An article by Muhayo Qayumov, Khujand weekly Varorud , was recognized the best in the category “Innovative Solutions and Practice in the Field of Social Development.”  

Olga Tutubalina from the Dushanbe weekly Asia-Plus won the competition n the category “Journalistic Investigation.”  

The Millat editor Adolat Umarova was recognized the best in the category “For Journalistic Bravery.”  In this category, 2nd place – Fakhriddin Kholbek, correspondent with the Dushanbe weekly Asia-Plus .    

A special award for best coverage of regional problems was given to the Dushanbe weekly Nigoh .