Detention of journalist in Uzbekistan unacceptable, OSCE media freedom representative says

VIENNA, 10 October 2016 – The recent detention and physical attack against photojournalist Timur Karpov in Uzbekistan is unacceptable, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today.

On 6 October, Karpov, a freelance photojournalist for Fergananews.com, was on an assignment in the Boka district in eastern Uzbekistan when he was detained. Karpov was reportedly beaten and held in custody for approximately 10 hours.

“Journalists must be able to collect and distribute information in a free and safe manner,” Mijatović said. “It is worrying that Karpov was detained, and I call on the authorities in Uzbekistan to ensure journalists’ safety and safeguard the freedom of the media.”

Reportedly, no official documents were filed concerning Karpov’s detention. According to Karpov, police demanded he must disclose the password to his mobile phone, which was confiscated. All footage on the device was later deleted by the police.

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.