DUSHANBE, February 16, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- The EU Heads of Mission strongly condemn the attack on Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda, editor-in-chief of Najot newspaper, and a member of the political council of the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan (IRP).

According to the EU Delegation to Tajikistan, the EU Heads of Mission consider this unprovoked and violent attack on Mr Sayfullozoda an act of intimidation aimed against individual rights to freedom of political and media expression.  The European Union firmly believes that individuals should not be subject to harassment or attack due to their political views, religious beliefs or as a result of views they have expressed in the media.

The EU Heads of Mission urge the authorities to undertake a full investigation into this attack, and make every effort to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.