Authorities banned the press from covering events in GBAO

The authorities of Tajikistan are exerting pressure on the independent press in the country and prohibiting coverage of events in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

Photo: Internet

Today, May 17, the editorial office of the agency “Asia-Plus” reported that it is forced to refrain from publishing news about events occurring in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan.

Previously, the editorial office of “Asia-Plus” received an official warning from the General Prosecutor’s Office and an unofficial warning from other state structures that the publication is “one-sidedly” covering events in GBAO and “destabilizing the situation in the country.”

The editorial office apologized to its readers and reported that “Asia-Plus” was instructed to “eliminate the indicated shortcomings,” that is, to cease coverage of events in GBAO; otherwise, the publication risks closure.

On May 16, the situation in the administrative center of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region escalated again. Residents wanted to gather in the central square of the city to demand justice, but law enforcement agencies prevented this. As a result of clashes between protesters and security forces, one civilian was killed and six were injured.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, three law enforcement officers were also injured.