OSCE media freedom official expresses concern about campaign against Radio Free Europe, detention of journalist in Uzbekistan

VIENNA, 17 June 2008 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, expressed today concern about recent cases of intimidation and harassment of non-governmental journalists in Uzbekistan.

Independent journalist Solidzon Abdurakhmonov was recently detained on drug charges, and reporters working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) were accused of carrying out anti-state activities in an hour-long programme broadcast repeatedly since 9 June by Uzbek state television.

"These assaults on free reporting are especially regrettable as Uzbek authorities told me during my visit last week that they were ready to start the much-needed reforms of the media governance in the country," Haraszti said.

The Uzbek authorities had invited Haraszti from 9 to 12 June for the first time. During the visit, Haraszti addressed a seminar on media issues organized by the Uzbek government. He also met officials and talked with journalists from state-owned and non-governmental media.

"In Tashkent last week, I welcomed the release of human rights defender and independent journalist Mutabar Tajibayeva from prison and called for more releases. I also raised the lack of accreditation for BBC, RFL/RL and Deutsche Welle," Haraszti said.

"The immediate freeing of all imprisoned for expressing critical views and the return of foreign media outlets to Uzbekistan would be important first steps toward compliance with OSCE commitments, as well as a signal of stability."

In addition, Haraszti asked his counterparts in meetings to liberalize media regulations and to allow for pluralism and political debate in the press. He also called for privatization in the print media, the creation of a public-service broadcaster, easy registration and licensing of media outlets, and decriminalization of libel.