On Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media
B-9-2024-0084
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Michaela Šojdrová, Andrius Kubilius, Vangelis Meimarakis, Janina Ochojska, Luděk Niedermayer, Vladimír Bilčík, Peter Pollák, Jiří Pospíšil, Ivan Štefanec, Tom Vandenkendelaere, Inese Vaidere
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This is a motion for a resolution on state repression against independent media in Tajikistan. Parliament regrets the decline of free journalism, calls on Tajik authorities to respect free expression and fair legal procedures, and urges them to stop using anti-extremism laws and political persecution against independent media.¶¶¶
Key points
- Parliament deeply regrets the decline of free journalism in Tajikistan in recent years.¶
- It expresses concern about media freedom and calls on Tajik authorities to respect non-discrimination based on political beliefs and free expression.¶
- It calls on Tajikistan to ensure just and fair legal procedures for journalists under investigation and expects the release of unjustly imprisoned journalists.¶
- It urges Tajik authorities to stop using the 2020 "Law on Countering Extremism" and the 2021 "Law on Combating Terrorism" to unduly restrict freedom of expression.¶
- It calls on Tajik authorities to stop the political persecution of independent media including Asia Plus, Radio Ozodi and independent bloggers.¶
Who is affected
- Tajikistan's authorities, who are called on to respect free expression and fair legal procedures and to stop political persecution.¶¶¶
- Independent media in Tajikistan, including Asia Plus and Radio Ozodi, which face state pressure.¶
- Journalists in Tajikistan, who face arrest, imprisonment, violence and online abuse.¶¶