The international organization “Reporters sans frontiers” (RSF) criticized Tajikistan for constant censorship and called for the release of journalists convicted in 2022, Central Asia News Service reports.

In Tajikistan, over the past three months, seven journalists and bloggers have been sentenced to various prison terms - from 7 to 21 years in prison. They were accused, in particular, of disseminating false information, participating in an extremist community, and collaborating with banned organizations.. The journalists themselves and their relatives deny these allegations.

“Reporters sans frontiers” in their report notes that convicted journalists and bloggers wrote or filmed videos on sensitive topics, which local officials strongly disliked.

«Sentences to journalists and bloggers have been handed down since the beginning of October, one after another. These sentences are a kind of warning to those independent journalists in Tajikistan who have the courage to express their opinion», - RSF report says.

Nuriddin Karshibaev, chairman of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT), told “Reporters sans frontiers” that “the authorities want to control public opinion in Tajikistan”.

«This can ultimately cause serious damage to the image of the country», - added the head of NANSMIT.

At least three convicted journalists in their letters from the pre-trial detention center noted that under psychological and physical pressure they were forced to confess.

RSF calls on the Tajik authorities to dispel the atmosphere of fear in the country.