The U.S. ambassador to Tajikistan, Manuel Micaller, called on Tajik authorities on March 11 — the Day of Press in the Central Asian nation — “to support the rights of journalists and to respect their freedom of expression,” stressing that “an independent press is a key element of building democracy.”
The ambassador said that free, independent media allow the public to connect to information, make informed decisions, and hear a diversity of opinions. “The United States actively supports the professional development of journalists in Tajikistan. We do this through exchange programs, English classes, reporting tours, and technical support for media outlets.”
In recent years, several Tajik journalists, rights activists, and opposition politicians have been handed lengthy prison terms on charges seen by rights groups as trumped up and politically motivated, RFE/RL’s Tajik Service reported.
