Ribeiro is concerned about the number of imprisoned journalists

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in her statement called on the authorities to address issues related to press freedom .

Photo: Internet

From October 3 to 7, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro was on an official visit to Tajikistan, where she raised several issues related to press freedom in the country.

Ribeiro met with government representatives, where she discussed obstacles to press freedom in the country, the safety of journalists, journalist accreditation, access to information, as well as the removal of any restrictions on press freedom that do not comply with the country’s commitments under the OSCE and other international obligations. Ribeiro also met with journalists and human rights defenders.

“I am very concerned about the large number of imprisoned journalists in Tajikistan and the long sentences they are serving. Such practices severely hinder the work of journalists in the country, have a strong chilling effect, and lead to self-censorship. I urge the authorities to create favorable working conditions for all journalists in the country,” said Ribeiro.

During the visit, Ribeiro also expressed great dissatisfaction that journalist Abdullo Gurbati was sentenced to 7.5 years in a high-security colony. She emphasized the need for the authorities of Tajikistan to fully align their laws and their application with international standards of press freedom.