OSCE media freedom representative calls for the release of a reporter in Tajikistan

VIENNA, 13 April 2018 – Today OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir called on the Tajikistani authorities to release from pre-trial detention Khayrullo Mirsaidov, a reporter with a number of national and international media outlets in Tajikistan in the past years. Mirsaidov is facing charges of embezzlement of funds, falsification of documents, making false accusations, and incitement to inter-ethnic hatred.

Mirsaidov, remains in custody since December 2017, when he was detained after having published an appeal to the President of the country Emomali Rahmon, complaining about graft among local authorities.

“I call on the authorities of Tajikistan to reconsider the charges brought against Khayrullo Mirsaidov and put an end to his pre-trial detention,” stated Désir.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media intervened on Mirsaidov’s behalf in a letter to the authorities of Tajikistan in March 2018, raising concern that the investigation was related to his journalistic activities, and called on them to reconsider the charges and release Mirsaidov.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.