Tajikistan: colleagues of arrested journalist demand his immediate release

Tajik journalists launched an online campaign in support of journalist Daler Sharipov, who was detained on January 30. According to one of the initiators of this action, Khairullo Mirsaidov, if the authorities do not respond to the demand of the journalistic community, they intend to connect the entire world community to this process.

“Immediately after the arrest of Daler Sharipov, we consulted with some colleagues and decided that it was necessary to act, and first of all decided to start with video messages,” the journalist said in an interview with ACCA. “We call for supporting our campaign not only of journalists, but also of civil society, because journalists, like Daler Sharipov, have always advocated for the interests of the people.”

According to Mirsaidov, they intend to attract the attention of international human rights organizations, as well as the authorities of democratic countries.

“Two years ago I myself was in a pre-trial detention center and I was charged with the same article as Daler Sharipov. Then the world community strongly supported me, thanks to which I am now free and continue my journalistic activities,” the journalist emphasized. “Therefore, I consider it my duty to also help other colleagues who find themselves in a difficult situation. Daler Sharipov and his family now need this support.”

Mirsaidov expressed confidence that the situation with the detained journalist would soon be resolved and he would be released.

“Due to systematic harassment, pressure and arrests, dozens of journalists have been forced to leave Tajikistan in recent years,” the journalist noted. “If this continues, soon there will be no journalists in Tajikistan. Therefore, it is necessary to fight for freedom of speech, and in this matter it is necessary to combine efforts.”