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

On Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media

B-9-2024-0083

on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Dita Charanzová, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Georgios Kyrtsos, Nathalie Loiseau, Karen Melchior, Javier Nart, Dragoş Pîslaru, Frédérique Ries, María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos, Ramona Strugariu, Dragoş Tudorache, Hilde Vautmans

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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, bloggers, critics, activists and lawyers, and the closure of independent outlets. It urges Tajikistan to release arbitrarily detained journalists and lawyers, drop charges, investigate mistreatment and ensure safe working conditions. It calls on the Commission, the EEAS and member states to increase support for civil society, human rights defenders and independent media workers, including funding and emergency visas.

Key points

  1. Parliament strongly condemns the ongoing crackdown against independent media, journalists, bloggers, government critics, human rights activists and independent lawyers.
  2. It condemns the closure of independent media and websites, including Pamir Daily News New Tajikistan 2 and Akhbor.com.
  3. It urges Tajikistan to stop persecuting journalists, immediately release those arbitrarily detained, drop all charges, ensure access to adequate health care, investigate mistreatment and forced confession, and bring those responsible to justice.
  4. It deplores that trials of critical voices are often held in secret without legal assistance, and urges the unconditional and immediate release of human rights lawyers Manuchehr Kholiknazarov and Buzurgmehr Yorov.
  5. It calls on the government to ensure a safe working environment for media workers and human rights defenders in line with Tajikistan's international human rights obligations.
  6. It reminds that addressing media freedom and access to fair trials is crucial for Tajikistan's ambition to join the GSP+ and for negotiations of a new EU-Tajikistan EPCA.
  7. It calls on the Commission, the EEAS and member states to increase support for civil society, human rights defenders and independent media workers active in Tajikistan, including funding and emergency visas for those in need of protection.

Who is affected

  • Tajikistan's government and parliament: urged to stop persecution, release detainees, drop charges and ensure safe working conditions.
  • Journalists, bloggers, government critics, human rights activists and independent lawyers in Tajikistan: condemned crackdown and called for their protection.
  • Commission, EEAS and EU member states: asked to increase support, funding and emergency visas.

Figures and deadlines

  • between seven and over twenty years in prison: sentences for journalists since October 2022