Resolution on Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media

The European Parliament adopted by 481 votes to 25, with 26 abstentions, a resolution on Tajikistan: state repression against the independent media.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, ECR, the Left groups and Members.

Parliament strongly condemned the ongoing crackdown, including anti-extremism legislation, against independent media, government critics, human rights activists and independent lawyers. It condemned the closure of independent media and websites, including the online media outlets Pamir Daily News, New Tajikistan 2 and Akhbor.com.

Pressure exerted by authorities on domestic media and self-censorship facilitate Russian propaganda and disinformation, in particular by stifling coverage of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

The resolution condemned all politically motivated trials and the lack of fair and public hearings by independent courts and urged the authorities to stop persecuting journalists, immediately and unconditionally release those who have been arbitrarily detained and drop all charges against them, stop the persecution of lawyers defending government critics and release human rights lawyers Manuchehr Kholiknazarov and Buzurgmehr Yorov.

Parliament urged the government to ensure that detainees have access to adequate healthcare and called for a thorough investigation into allegations of mistreatment in custody and forced confessions, and those responsible to be brought to justice. A safe working environment for media workers and human rights defenders in accordance with Tajikistan’s international human rights obligations should be ensured.

Parliament insisted that the situation of freedom of expression in Tajikistan should be considered when assessing the application to GSP+ and for negotiation of the new EU-Tajikistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Increased support for civil society, human rights defenders and independent media workers in Tajikistan, including funding and visas for those in need of protection should be ensured by the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States.