OSCE media freedom representative presents review of new media law in Tajikistan

VIENNA, 17 April 2013 –The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today presented a legal review of Tajikistan’s new law “On periodical print and other mass media” to the parliamentary working group that initiated the legislation. The new media law entered into force in Tajikistan in March.

In a letter to the head of the parliamentary group, Mijatović, while noting a number of positive changes in the law that would strengthen the rights of journalists in Tajikistan and improve access to official information, emphasized the need for lawmakers and the executive to develop concrete steps to make practical the new legal provisions.

“The norms on the prohibition of media monopolies are pointing in the right direction. However, the new article on the role of the state in supporting media remains wishful thinking and allows for favouritism, unless clear rules are adopted and implemented,” she noted.

Mijatović also highlighted the need for greater independence of editorial offices: “As seen from the review, which was conducted by an independent expert, a number of provisions in the law create opportunities for undue control of journalistic activity by media owners and the authorities”.

The new law has been discussed in Tajikistan for several years. The Representative on Freedom of the Media, as well as the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, has facilitated two legal reviews and several discussions between the parliamentary working group, the media and NGOs.

Mijatović commended the parliamentary working group for its inclusive debate and for engaging civil society in the debate on the law.

The legal review by the RFOM expert is available at:
//www.osce.org/ru/fom/100831