OSCE media freedom representative concerned about arrest of journalist in Tajikistan

VIENNA, 26 December 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about the arrest of Abdurakhim Shukurov, a camera operator working for the Ozodagon News Agency in Tajikistan.

Shukurov was arrested on 26 December while he was covering the proclamation of sentence in a high-profile case against Zaid Saidov, a well-known businessman and former Minister of Industry and Energy. Shukurov also suffered injuries after being beaten by law enforcement officers.

“Of particular concern is the fact that Shukurov was singled out and arrested, even though it was clear that he was performing his duties as a journalist, ” Mijatović said. “I am worried that his case may have been an attempt by the law enforcement to discourage other journalists from covering this trial.”

According to local authorities, Shukurov is being held under administrative arrest for seven days. A detention exceeding three days requires a court order, and such an order has not yet been issued.

“I call for the immediate release of Shukurov and urge the authorities to take immediate measures to avoid arbitrary arrests of journalists and to allow them fulfill their professional duties,” Mijatović said.