Why is there a new media law in Tajikistan?

On May 14, 2024, members of parliament and representatives of the media community of Tajikistan discussed the draft law “On Mass Media.” It is expected to be an improved law that will regulate the work of the media in the country based on best practices and recommendations from international experts. Parliament member Mujibakhon Javkhari stated that there is a pressing need to merge two laws on mass media. “Initially, we studied the experience of various countries in the region and familiarized ourselves with the analysis and recommendations of international experts,” she said.

Are there still obstacles to simplified media registration?

This concerns the merging of two laws on mass media – “On Periodical Press and Other Mass Media” and “On Television and Radio Broadcasting.” The deputies also included other amendments in the draft. Some media representatives stated that the draft law still contains obstacles for a simplified media registration procedure.

“If we want this law to meet modern requirements, we must first simplify the media registration procedure by simply notifying government bodies. That is, if you want to create a media outlet, you need to prepare a package of documents and notify the authorized bodies that from such and such date, we are starting operations. Such a system operates in civilized countries,” noted Nuriddin Karshiboev, head of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan. “We see that the registration process has been supplemented with some relaxations. As experience shows, media outlets are required to provide many mandatory documents. Now, the law clearly states that besides the necessary package of documents, no one has the right to demand any other documents from you,” said Shahlo Akobirova, head of the media organization “Khoma.”

According to the new draft law, it is no longer necessary to obtain a certificate from the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan for media registration, which was previously required by registering authorities.

A law for the development of the media market

Media representatives suggested that the draft take into account international standards related to freedom of speech, human rights, as well as issues of media management, etc. According to Shahlo Akobirova, the new law should contribute to the development of the media market. “In terms of discrimination, many important points have been noted. There are many individual provisions protecting children’s rights. There is the issue of gender classification, the protection of people with disabilities, the mandatory involvement of sign language interpreters in news programs, the dissemination of information in the languages of national minorities, and many other issues,” she noted.

During the discussion of the bill, the journalistic community expressed concern that their proposals are not always taken into account by the parliament. However, the parliamentarians assured that this time public opinion would be considered. “We are confident that every proposal that serves the interests and safety of society and the state will be included in the law,” said Saodatsho Matrobiyon, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on International Affairs, Public Associations, and Information.

Tajikistan is facing criticism from international organizations for its strict media laws. Critics noted that the authorities have restricted freedom of speech in the country and the activities of media and journalists under various pretexts.

In the 2024 Press Freedom Index by the international organization “Reporters Without Borders,” Tajikistan has dropped two positions compared to last year and currently ranks 155th out of 180 countries. “Tajikistan remains among the countries with the ‘worst’ conditions for journalists. We do not see the political will to improve working conditions for journalists or to change the situation in any way. The authorities of Tajikistan do not show proper respect for independent media and do not support them in any way,” said Jeanne Cavelier, head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia bureau of “Reporters Without Borders.”

In Tajikistan, the activities of journalists are regulated by the law “On the Press and Other Mass Media,” which was adopted under public pressure. The Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting was adopted in 1997. Both of these laws have since been amended multiple times, mostly in a restrictive manner. With the adoption of the new law, which contains 9 chapters and 60 articles, these laws will be considered invalid.