OSCE Representative Désir welcomes release of journalist in Uzbekistan, calls for all members of the media behind bars to be set free

VIENNA, 5 February 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today welcomed reports of the release of journalist Dilmurod Saiid, who has served nine years behind bars.

“I commend the release of Dilmurod Saiid as an important step forward in the media situation in Uzbekistan, Désir said. I call on the authorities to release all journalists who remain behind bars, including Yusuf Ruzimurodov, Bobomurod Abdullaev, Gayrat Mikhliboev and Khayot (Khan) Nasreddinov.”

Dilmurod Saiid was arrested on 22 February 2009 on charges of forgery and extortion and sentenced to twelve and a half years in prison. He is known for reporting on human rights violations in Uzbekistan.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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 www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.