OSCE Representative welcomes release of journalist in Uzbekistan; calls for all journalists to be freed

VIENNA, 13 February 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the release of journalist Hairullo Khamidov, who has been imprisoned since 2010, and said the authorities should free all detained journalists in Uzbekistan.

“The release of Khamidov is a step in the right direction,” Mijatović said. “But there are still journalists imprisoned for what they have said or written, and I call on the authorities to release them.”

Mijatović mentioned Solijon Abdurakhmonov and Dilmurod Saiid as journalists still in jail.

Khamidov was the host of a popular radio show on religious issues before he was detained in January 2010. Four months later, he along with18 others were convicted for being members of an extremist group. The Representative has spoken publicly on many occasions about his case.

“Journalists must be able to do their jobs freely,” Mijatović said. “Laws designed to fight extremism should not be used to stifle unpopular views.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.