DUSHANBE, November 3, 2011, Asia-Pus -- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ms. Dunja Mijatović, arrived in Dushanbe today on a two-day visit.

According to the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, today, she is meeting with representatives of civil society and media of Tajikistan.

Tomorrow, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media is scheduled to hold talks with representatives of the Government, the Parliament, the Ministry of Interior, the Committee for TV and Radio-broadcasting and the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan.

We will recall that on October 17, Ms. Dunja Mijatović welcomed the release from custody of two Tajik journalists convicted on charges resulting from their professional activities, and called for their acquittal.  “I am relieved that Mahmadyusuf Ismoilov and Urunboy Usmonov were released from custody.  However, I remain concerned that they were convicted on criminal charges.  Both journalists were sentenced for their independent reporting on issues of public interest and I hope their appeals will be successful and they will be soon cleared of all charges,” said Mijatović.

She also noted that she very much looked forward to her upcoming visit to Dushanbe to meet with government officials, civil society and media.