OSCE Representative welcomes move to restore accreditation to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalists in Tajikistan

HAMBURG, Germany, 6 December 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed a swift decision by Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reinstate accreditation to six Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) correspondents in the country.

“I am relieved that the Ministry has decided to reinstate accreditation to Mirzonabi Kholikzod, Mardoni Muhammad, Abdulloh Ashurov, Muhammadvafo Rakhmatov, Amriddin Olimov and Shodmoni Yatim,” Mijatović said. “But I repeat my call to not use accreditation as a work permit or requirement to engage in journalism.”

Mijatović wrote yesterday to Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov asking for the reinstatement of the correspondents’ accreditations.

The Representative previously issued a set of recommendations on the issue of accreditation to all OSCE participating States in a Communiqué available at (//www.osce.org/fom/245466).

The Representative is in Hamburg for the 23rd OSCE Ministerial Council, which starts on 8 December.

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.