May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day. Today, we reflect on the changes in freedom of speech in Tajikistan over the past 12 years. Let's take a look at the most significant events in the media landscape that shed light on the challenges faced in exercising this freedom in our country.
In the report by Reporters Without Borders, Tajikistan ranks 153rd out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. The country consistently ranks poorly in various freedom of speech indexes.
Experts and observers note that the situation regarding freedom of speech in Tajikistan deteriorated after the parliamentary elections in 2010. In recent years, there have been increasing cases of assaults on journalists, lawsuits against them, imprisonments, leading some journalists to leave the profession or the country, and the closure of several active media outlets.
In 2012, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Tajik press, 446 newspapers and magazines were registered in Tajikistan, with 270 being state-owned. However, as of March 2024, there are 186 registered newspapers in the country, with 123 being state-owned and 63 private. This indicates a significant decline in the number of private media outlets in the past 3 years.
In 2012, there were 10 news agencies registered in the country, 9 of which were non-state-owned. Currently, there are 6 agencies, with 1 being state-owned and 5 private. The number of radio and television channels has also increased over the years, with a notable rise in the presence of private media entities.
Since 2010, there has been a rise in lawsuits and criminal cases against journalists in Tajikistan. The increased number of complaints regarding pressure and persecution is also evident. Notably, in May 2012, a high-profile legal case involving several media outlets and journalists concluded with the plaintiffs withdrawing their claims.
Journalist Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov from the weekly newspaper "Nuri Zindagi" is one of the few Tajik journalists who have been imprisoned twice for their reporting. His cases highlight the challenges faced by journalists in the country.
Over the past decade, Tajikistan has witnessed instances of assaults on journalists, indicating a concerning trend in the country's media landscape. The year 2022 posed additional challenges for Tajik journalism, with several journalists and bloggers being detained and convicted under restrictive laws.
Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to advocate for press freedom in Tajikistan. Various legal reforms and initiatives have been proposed to improve the media environment in the country. However, the overall situation remains complex, with international organizations raising concerns about the state of press freedom in Tajikistan.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of media freedom, it is essential to uphold the principles of a free press and support the journalists who strive to bring forth valuable information to the public.
