Policy paper on freedom of expression in Tajikistan

This policy paper is based on the research I have made in the period of November 1998- July 1999 in Tajikistan funded by the International OSI Policy Fellowship Program. My research and its findings are described in details in the attached report. This paper aims at summarising my thoughts as well as thoughts of interviewed people on advisable policy in Tajikistan in the field of freedom of expression. The media encounters many different factors providing its well functioning. As it is fully described: “The freedom and diversity of the media depend on the willingness of the authorities to allow it; on the independent judiciary to safeguard it; on the economic conditions for achieving it; on the interest of the public in independent and credible media; and on the commitment and professionalism of journalists’ themselves. If these conditions combine, the media will be the watchdog and catalyst of democracy.”1 Therefore while writing this paper I had in mind three major target groups, for whom these recommendations may be useful. First of all, the government of Tajikistan being the guarantor of the rule of law and the rights of the people would be the one to suggest the legislative reforms and enforcing actions towards the laws. The second target group I considered the journalists themselves and ideally recommendations on media practice, education, civil society would be addressed for them. And finally the Open Society Institute as well as similar other international organisations may be contributing from my thoughts.