OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of blogger in Tajikistan, expresses hope for charges to be dropped

VIENNA, 23 July 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed yesterday’s release of Alexander Sodiqov, a blogger and commentator on Tajik and Central Asian politics, from a pre-trial detention centre in Dushanbe and expressed hope that the criminal charges brought against him would be dropped altogether. 

“I welcome the fact that Sodiqov was allowed to return to his family,” Mijatović said. “However, I am concerned that the criminal charges against him remain and hope that they will be abandoned.”

Sodiqov is currently prohibited from leaving the country. He was detained in Khorog in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province on 16 June and was later charged with high treason and espionage. The University of Exeter, as well as Sodiqov’s co-researchers, said that Sodiqov was in Tajikistan to conduct research for the university’s project on conflict prevention.

The OSCE Representative said her Office would continue to follow Sodiqov’s case. She also reiterated her Office’s readiness to assist the authorities in Tajikistan on advancing the free media and free expression.

Mijatović has previously expressed concern over the case (//www.osce.org/fom/119926).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom; Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on Facebook.com/osce.rfom.