OSCE media freedom representative concerned over detention of BBC reporter in Tajikistan

VIENNA, 16 June 2011 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today expressed concern over the detention of Urunboi Usmonov, a BBC reporter for ten years in Central Asia.

On 13 June 2011, Usmonov was detained in Khujand by law enforcement officers for allegedly having ties with a radical organization, and spreading its propaganda through the Internet. 

“While I respect the Government’s legitimate right to fight terrorism, the circumstances surrounding Usmonov’s detention and treatment, including the denial of his right to legal counsel, raises concerns about undue limitations on free expression,” said Mijatovic in a letter to the Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi.

“I am concerned that his case may be another attempt to silence a journalist who writes on sensitive topics in Tajikistan.”

The Representative in her letter also requested information on other cases of media freedom violations she recently raised with Tajik authorities, including beating of Hikmatullo Saifullozoda and criminal prosecution of Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov.