DUSHANBE, August 4, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik civil society is seriously concerned over blocking Internet access to Tajikistan’s leading independent news agency Asia-Plus that deprives citizens of their right to receive information.

A joint statement released by the Association of Young Lawyers “Amparo,” Bureau on Human Rights and Rule of Law (BHR), Human Rights Center, NGO Imran, NGO Spin Plus, NGO Note Bena, Center for Child’s Rights, and Sughd Barristers’ Association on August 4 notes that the website of the Asia-Plus news agency has been blocked three times in two months.

Internet access to the Russian news sites (RIA-Novosti, Lenta.ru and Vesti.ru), video sharing website YouTube and two news portals specializing in Central Asia (Fergananews.com and Centrasia.ru) has also been cut off following an order by the Tajik communications service agency.

Blocking news sites restricts population’s opportunities to receive alternative information from other sources and leads to artificial aggravation of the situation and appearance of disagreeable rumors in society, the statement said.

Tajik non-governmental organizations called on the authorities to unblock the Asia-Plus website and other international news portals and ensure the right of citizens to receive alternative information.