DUSHANBE, February 24, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The Embassy of the United States is concerned about recent judicial actions and lawsuits against five independent Tajik newspapers: Asia-Plus , Ozodagon , Farazh , Paykon , and Millat , press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe today said.

The media play a crucial role in fostering a stable society by reporting on government activity, exposing injustice, and providing independent analysis.  The lawsuits threaten to force these newspapers to cease publication, which would be a serious blow to freedom of the press in Tajikistan.

OSCE member states have an obligation to ensure freedom of the press by protecting the media from harassment and ensuring that the judiciary defends the rights of journalists to carry out their important work.

We have conveyed our concerns to the Government of Tajikistan, and urged it to ensure that the judiciary is not used as a tool to harass independent media or stifle free speech, press release said.