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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2024/2506(RSP))

On Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media

B-9-2024-0064

on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Stelios Kouloglou

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 26 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This is a motion for a resolution on state repression against independent media in Tajikistan. Parliament condemns the crackdown on journalists and media, urges Tajikistan to respect international obligations, and calls for the release of seven detained journalists. It also condemns alleged torture, calls for investigations, and demands a safe environment for journalists and human rights defenders, including free reporting on Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. It supports a UN call for an impartial investigation in GBAO and says an EU-Central Asia strategy should be based on human rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, not geostrategic interests.

Key points

  1. Parliament shares UN concerns about repression of journalists and human rights in Tajikistan and condemns the repression against the media.
  2. It urges Tajikistan to fulfil international obligations and stop using anti-extremism laws such as the 2020 'Law on Countering Extremism' and 2021 'Law on Combating Terrorism' to restrict freedom of expression.
  3. It strongly condemns arbitrary detention and convictions of independent journalists and calls for the immediate release of seven journalists detained for their work.
  4. It strongly condemns alleged torture and ill-treatment of prisoners and calls on Tajikistan to investigate, prosecute, condemn and forbid torture and ensure access to health care.
  5. It calls on Tajikistan to ensure a safe environment for journalists and human rights defenders, cease harassment of independent media, and guarantee space for free reporting on Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
  6. It supports the UN Special Rapporteur's call for an impartial and transparent investigation in the GBAO region.
  7. It condemns foreign interference in the region and says an EU-Central Asia strategy should be based on mutual development, human rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, not geostrategic interests.

Who is affected

  • Tajikistan authorities: urged to release detained journalists, stop using anti-extremism laws, and ensure a safe environment for media.
  • Independent journalists and media in Tajikistan: subject to harassment, detention and website shutdowns, the resolution demands their protection.
  • Female journalists: disproportionately subjected to intimidation, smear campaigns and online attacks.
  • Human rights defenders: face criminal proceedings and need a safe environment to carry out their work.
  • EU and Central Asia: the resolution calls for a strategy based on mutual development and human rights.

Figures and deadlines

  • May 2022: crackdown against protesters in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
  • July 2023: UN experts deplored criminal proceedings against human rights defenders.
  • Seven journalists: sentenced to lengthy prison terms and called to be released.
  • 2020 'Law on Countering Extremism' and 2021 'Law on Combating Terrorism': cited as used to restrict freedom of expression.
  • November 2021: date of the UN Special Rapporteur's call for an investigation in the GBAO region.