OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of editor in Uzbekistan

VIENNA, 22 February 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the release in Uzbekistan of Muhammed Bekjanov, the former chief editor of the opposition newspaper Erk.

“Bekjanov’s release is a very positive step,” Mijatović said. “I welcome the decision and encourage the authorities to release all members of the media who remain in prison today in Uzbekistan, including Yusuf Ruzimuradov, Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov, Dilmurod Saiid and Djamshid Karimov.”

Mijatović wrote in December to the President of Uzbekistan to use his right to pardon several journalists who are currently serving prison sentences or remain in psychiatric institutions.

Bekjanov was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1999. In 2011, his sentence was extended by 4 years and 8 months.

In a separate development, Mijatović noted with satisfaction that Uzbekistan agreed to host the Office’s Central Asia Media Conference in autumn this year.

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.