DUSHANBE, February 5, 2013, Asia-Plus -- The United States has long supported freedom of speech, mass media freedom, and the right of journalists to work without fear of censorship or reprisal, a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe today says.

“We, the U.S. Embassy, have regularly raised our concerns regarding the treatment of journalists in Tajikistan, including that of Mr. Abduqayum Qayumzod, with the Tajik government.

“We urge the Government of Tajikistan to respect media freedom and establish a clear and transparent mechanism governing the accreditation of journalists.”

We will recall that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Qayumzod’s application for renewal of his journalistic credentials on December 9, 2012.  The ministry, however, has not yet explained the decision.

Abduqayum Qayumzod has worked in RFE/RL''s Dushanbe bureau since 2001, reporting on political subjects and activities of Tajikistan''s parliament, in particular.  On World Press Freedom Day 2010, he was recognized by Media-Alliance, Tajikistan''s largest journalist union, for his "courageous and outstanding" reporting on corruption and other controversial issues at an event sponsored by the US Embassy in Dushanbe.

RFE/RL''s Tajik language service, Radio Ozodi, is a registered media company in Tajikistan.