OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of Tajik journalists, calls for their acquittal

VIENNA, 17 October 2011 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, welcomed today the release from custody of two Tajik journalists convicted on charges resulting from their professional activities, and called for their acquittal.  

“I am relieved that Mahmadyusuf Ismoilov and Urunboi Usmonov were released from custody. However, I remain concerned that they were convicted on criminal charges. Both journalists were sentenced for their independent reporting on issues of public interest and I hope their appeals will be successful and they will be soon cleared of all charges,” said Mijatović.

On 14 October, a court in the northern city of Khojand found Ismoilov, a reporter with the Nuri Zindagi weekly, guilty of criminal libel, insult, extortion and inciting to “regional hatred.” He was sentenced to a 5,400-euro fine and a 3-year professional ban. The court also ruled that Ismoilov, who had been in custody since November 2010, be set free immediately.     

Also on 14 October, another court in northern Sugdh Province sentenced BBC reporter Usmonov to 3 years in jail on charges of participation in the activities of a banned organization and ruled that he be amnestied. 

Both journalists deny the accusations levelled against them and say they will appeal the verdicts.

“I will continue to follow the cases of Ismoilov and Usmonov and I remain hopeful that they will soon be able to resume their professional activities.”

“I very much look forward to my upcoming visit to Dushanbe to meet with government officials, civil society and media,” concluded Mijatović.