CPJ condemned the unjust sentence of Abdullo Gurbati

The international organization Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the sentence against Tajik journalist Abdullo Gurbati.

Photo: Internet

In its statement, the committee emphasized that the sentence against Abdullo Gurbati is a result of the discomfort of Tajik authorities with the growing popularity of bold public journalism.

“We condemn today’s harsh and unjustified sentence against journalist Abdullo Gurbati,” said Gulnoza Said, the committee’s program coordinator for Europe and Central Asia.

“The authorities of Tajikistan must refrain from challenging Gurbati’s appeal, immediately release him, Imamali, and all other journalists currently imprisoned for their work, and stop their campaign of intimidation against the besieged independent press in the country,” the statement noted.

During a closed court hearing, the Shohmansur District Court in the capital Dushanbe found Abdullo Gurbati guilty of assaulting and insulting a police officer and participating in a banned extremist group. It is reported that Gurbati did not plead guilty and plans to appeal the sentence.