DUSHANBE, September 1, 2011, Asia-Plus – Tajik Journalists’ Union (TJU), the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit) and the Bureau on Human Rights and Rule of Law of Tajikistan (BHR) today released a joint statement, in which they strongly condemn an attack on Khurshed Atovullo (Khurshed Niyozov), editor-in-chief of the Dushanbe independent weekly Farazh .

The statement, in particular, notes that it is already the second case of attack on journalists in Tajikistan this year that “evokes serious concern.”

We will recall that Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda, a member of the Islamic Revival (IRP)’s political council and editor-in-chief of its newspaper, Najot , was attacked on February 7 this year on his way to the newspaper''s office in Dushanbe.  Sayfullozoda was reportedly set upon by two assailants after a third person approached him and attempted to distract him.  He suffered a blow to the skull and severe bruising around his eyes and mouth. He is being treated in a Dushanbe hospital.

According to the statement, Khurshed Atovullo and two his friends were attacked and beaten by a group of unidentified persons in Dushanbe’s Zarafshon-2 area Wednesday (August 31) afternoon, at around 12:30.  Khurshed Niyozov lodged a statement about the attack to Dushanbe’s Sino-2 police station.

“It is still impossible to say with certainty that the attack related to professional activities of Khurshed Niyozov.  However, an attack not only on a journalist but also on any citizen of Tajikistan during celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary the country’s independence evokes concern days.”       

TJU, Nansmit and BHR calls on the law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate the attack on Khurshed Niyozov.