In Tajikistan, independent media throttled by state repression
Giant portraits of President Emomali Rahmon adorn even the most nondescript buildings in Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe. Throughout the country, his sayings are featured on posters and billboards. Their ubiquitous presence underscores the consolidation of power by Rahmon – officially described as “Founder of Peace and Unity, Leader of the Nation” – since he emerged…
Tajik journalist Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda sentenced to 7 years in prison
Stockholm, December 28, 2022 – In response to news reports that Tajikistan authorities recently sentenced journalist Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda to seven years in prison, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the ruling: “The trial of Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda, like the trials of five other journalists recently sentenced to lengthy prison terms on…
Tajik journalist Zavqibek Saidamini sentenced to 7 years in prison
Stockholm, November 4, 2022 – In response to news reports that a court in Tajikistan on Thursday, November 3, sentenced independent journalist Zavqibek Saidamini to seven years in prison, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “Tajik authorities have done their utmost to shroud their prosecution of journalists in secrecy. Yet, available evidence…
Jailed Tajik journalist Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda describes severe physical abuse, forced confession in letter
Stockholm, October 25, 2022 – Tajikistan authorities must provide a complete and convincing response to allegations that jailed journalist Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda has been subjected to severe physical abuse and mistreatment, and that he and other jailed journalists were forced to record false confessions, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On Friday, October 21, the…
Tajikistan authorities announce further extremism investigations into 3 detained journalists
Stockholm, July 21, 2022 – Tajikistan authorities should drop criminal extremism and all other investigations into journalists Avazmad Ghurbatov, Zavqibek Saidamini, and Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda and release them and journalist Daler Imomali immediately, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. “The ongoing detentions and extremism investigations into four journalists known for their coverage of social injustices…
Tajikistan authorities arrest 2 journalists who criticized other journalists’ detentions
New York, July 14, 2022 – Tajik authorities should immediately provide information on the whereabouts of journalist Zavqibek Saidamini and blogger Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda and ensure they are released from custody at once, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On the evening of July 8, plainclothes law enforcement officers in the capital, Dushanbe, detained Saidamini,…