Tajik independent media intend to file lawsuit against defense minister

DUSHANBE, October 4, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik independent media intend to defend their honor and dignity in court, the head of the Independent Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmt), Nuoriddin Qarshiboyev, stated on October 4.

A news conference dedicated to blockage of a number of news sites took place in Dushanbe on Monday.

Speaking at the news conference, heads of a number of independent media stated that as a token of protest against an October 4 statement by the Ministry of Defense, the next edition of their weeklies would appear with one blank page that should have contained materials about events in Rasht.

Independent media must not endure the defense ministry’s accusations against journalists that are allegedly playing into hands of terrorists by releasing reports about the Rasht events, the Tajik media watchdog head said.

Moreover, heads of a number of media plan to consult lawyers and file a lawsuit against the Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev in the near future.

We will recall that a statement released by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) on October 4 says that the majority of reports by Tajik independent media over an attack on a military convoy in Rasht and the latest developments in the area cover the events unilaterally.

According to the statement, journalists do not realize that by releasing such reports they assist terrorists and play into their hands “and thereby they commit serious crime.”

The minister wonders why journalists have covered that terrorist attack unilaterally.  “In their reports, journalists describe errors and shortcomings of the Ministry of Defense, its officials and servicemen as if they are outstanding military experts.  But they don’t not ask themselves who and by whose order conducted that shameful and inhuman act,” sad the statement posted on Khovar’s website.

“Moreover, these media have the face to demand apology from the Ministry of Defense for recent TV program, in which they were harshly criticized.  But it is you esteemed journalists that must apologize, if you have a heart.”

The statement also notes that there are some political parties and separate politicians that superficially condemn the terrorist, accusing the government of emergence of the problem.

“At a time like this, they demand dialogue and negotiations,” said the statement, “I wonder whom this dialogue must be conducted with? With terrorists and killers or with you, leaders of political parties?  If we meet with you and fulfill your demands, will terrorists be satisfied?  If so, one may conclude that they are forces that were illegally armed by you because they consider your opinion.  Therefore, there ought to think before saying.”

At the end of the statement, the Ministry of Defense demands law enforcement authorities of the country make a legal assessment of reports by Tajik independent media over events in the east of Tajikistan.