RSF: Tajikistan could become a new area in Central Asia where journalists have no rights

DUSHANBE, November 30, 2016, Asia-Plus – Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has also expressed concern over the cancelation of accreditations of six journalists from the Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service.

A statement released by RSF on November 28, in particular, notes that freedom of the press and the situation of independent media continue to decline in Tajikistan.

RSF is reportedly stepping up cooperation with the National Association of Independent Mass Media in Tajikistan (Nansmit) with the aim of providing journalists with more support following recent developments that do not bode well for freedom of information in Tajikistan.

RSF and Nansmit have decided to reinforce a partnership focused on protecting freedom of information.  To this end, they have signed an agreement that will enable them to provide more effective coverage of violations of the right to inform and be informed.

The statement says two of Tajikistan’s last independent media outlets have suddenly closed since the start of November – Dushanbe weekly Nigoh and Tojnews news agency.

“The foreign ministry also rescinded the accreditations of six journalists with the Tajik Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on November 25.  The ministry declined to explain this decision publicly but told RFE/RL by telephone that it was prompted by the broadcaster’s refusal to withdraw an article from its website about the appointment of the president’s daughter, Rukhshona Rahmonova, to a senior position within the ministry,” the statement notes. 

“We are alarmed by the constant decline in the situation in Tajikistan for nearly two years and by the speed of this deterioration, and we fear that this country could become a new area in Central Asia where journalists have no rights,” RSF program director Lucie Morillon said.

The government is trying to gain complete control over media coverage as the social and economic situation keeps on worsening, RSF program director added.   

Tajikistan is ranked 150th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2016 World Press Freedom Index after falling 33 places.  This was the biggest fall of any country in this year’s index.  Harassment of journalists and website blocking have increased since the 2015 parliamentary election and the banning of the Islamic Revival Party, the main opposition party.