KHUJAND, December 5, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- The first meeting of the Sughd Journalists’ Club took place in Khujand at the end of last week under the auspices of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit).

The club is dedicated to provide a platform for discussions on the current freedom of speech situation in northern Tajikistan and recommendations for improvement of quality of journalism in the area.

Speaking at the meeting, the Nansmit chairman Nouriddin Qarshiboyev noted that the club was a self-organized social group of journalists that was functioning on the basis of corporate activities.  “The club is open for all journalists and students from journalism faculties,” the media watchdog head added.

Azamkhon Akbarov, the director of the Khujand-based Asia TV and Radio Company, considers that the club is also dedicated to promote improvement of professionalism of journalists and further development of journalism.

The meeting discussed issues related to the problems of access to official socially significant information.

The meeting participants adopted recommendations on access to information and cooperation with public institutions.

The next meeting of the Sughd Journalists’ Club scheduled for January 2012 will discuss legal and ethical aspects of journalist activity.