DUSHANBE, February 9, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik Journalists’ Union (TJU), National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (Nansmit), Media Alliance of Tajikistan (MAT) and the Indem Foundation yesterday released a joint statement over a February 7 attack on Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda, editor-in-chief of the Najot weekly (mouthpiece of the Islamic Revival Party).

The media organizations condemn the assault and ask the authorities to investigate the incident.

The statement, in particular, says that some experts link the assault to the professional activities of Sayfullozoda and journalist organizations and medial outlets are ready to carry out journalist investigation and provide assistance to law enforcement authorities in solving this crime.

Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda was attacked Monday morning on his way to Najot’s office in Dushanbe.  According to the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) representatives, Sayfullozoda’s neighbors have spoken of having seen two unknown persons following him in recent days.