DUSHANBE, July 6, 2011, Asia-Plus -- On Tuesday July 5, the European Union Delegation in Tajikistan in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Tajikistan released statement on the continued arrest of Urunboy Usmonov.

The EU Delegation to Tajikistan welcomes the reported decision by Tajik authorities to drop charges relating to BBC journalist Urunboy Usmonov’s alleged membership of “Hizb-ut-Tahrir”.

The EU Delegation remains nevertheless deeply concerned by the fact that charges are, however, still being brought against Mr. Usmonov, especially since these charges are related to practices which are generally accepted to be standard journalistic activity.  The EU Delegation encourages the relevant Tajik authorities to review these additional charges, and requests that Mr. Usmonov be released from detention immediately.

The European Union fully recognizes the efforts of the Tajik Government to ensure stability and security within the country, but would also continue to stress the importance of media freedom in Tajikistan, and of adhering to transparent international judicial standards.