DUSHANBE, February 8, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Heads of Tajik media organizations are seriously concerned over the situation that emerged around their partner organization in Russia, the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES).

A letter sent by Akbarali Sattorov, the head of Tajik Journalists’ Union, and Nouriddin Qarshiboyev, the head of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit), to Vsevolod Bogdanov, the head of the Russian Union of Journalists, in particular, says the incident has undermined the image and activities of other journalism organizations functioning within the CIS area.

“Over twelve years of its activity, the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations has won respect as an organization supporting journalists’ rights and promoting development of civil society.  Acting as the main partner on providing methodological assistance, the Center has become an interlink in international network of journalism human rights organizations.”

According to them, the collapse of such an organization through fault of its founder does no honor to the authoritative organization such as Russian Journalists’ Union.

In their letter, heads of Tajik media organizations expressed hope that Russian Journalists’ Union will find strength to manage the conflict situation that emerged more efficiently and will ensure normal work of the CJES.

According to Russian media sources, the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations has stopped work because of conflict with the Russian Union of Journalists.

The Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations is a press advocacy group in Russia.  Founded in 2000 as part of the Russian Union of Journalists, the Center is the primary media watchdog in the country and produces a variety of publications, including the weekly bulletin of media news and commentary Dangerous Profession.