“This is another hit” Criticism of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) representative of Tajikistan

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) representative on freedom of the press affairs criticized the court verdict in Dushanbe for the imprisonment of journalist Zavqibek Saidamini.

"This is another hit to media freedom in Tajikistan" – stated Teresa Ribeiro on Telegram on November 7.

She asked the authorities of Tajikistan to release Zavqibek Saidamini and other imprisoned journalists.

"They should be given the opportunity to report on issues related to society, including security issues. Journalism is not a crime," -- added Ms. Ribeiro.

Reporters Without Borders and the Committee for the Protection of Journalists also condemned the court's verdict regarding Zavqibek Saidamini.

38-year-old Zavqibek Saidamini was arrested in July of this year in Vahdat city, and on November 3, he was sentenced to 7 years in prison for cooperating with banned organizations. He stated that he is innocent.

The former correspondent of the Tajik State Television became popular for his conversations on social networks and was considered the one who fights for the truth.

For the last six months, at least 7 journalists and bloggers have been arrested in Tajikistan and four of them have been imprisoned so far.

Besides Zavqibek Saidamini, Mohammadi Sultan was sentenced to 7 years in prison, Abdullah Ghurbati to 7.5 years and Daler Emomali to 10 years. The trial of several of them is ongoing.

Monitoring Service of NANSMIT