Press freedom in Tajikistan is far from its ideal level, Secretary General of the Media Alliance of Tajikistan Hurshed Niyezov spoke today at the republican conference “Freedom of speech: realities and perspectives of the Tajik media” in Dushanbe. The event is conducted on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day which is celebrated on May 3.

Niyezov said in the past year Tajik independent media suffered pressure from the government, some of them are now involved in lawsuits and some were even fined. Furthermore, he said, the new version of the law “On press and other media” remains unapproved.

Niyezov said that “Tajik authorities may use tortures or organize attacks on undesirable journalists ahead of Presidential election due next year.”

Head of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan Nuriddin Karshibaev said that the number of lawsuits involving the media has reduced as compared to 2010. “Furthermore, journalists undertake more efforts to protect their rights and interests,” he stressed.

Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan Akbarali Sattorov believes that journalists should try to ensure freedom of speech by themselves.

“To do that journalists must be brave and must be professionals, but should not go beyond the legalism,” he said.

Most active journalists are expected to receive awards from the Union of Journalists, Media Alliance and from Asia-Plus and Ozodagon newspapers.