Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic will discuss indictments against two journalists, made in the north of the Republic on Oct.14 during her visit to Dushanbe, CA-News reported.
The correspondent of the weekly "Nuri Zindagi" ("Ray of Life") newspaper Mahmadyusuf Ismoilov was found guilty of libel, slander, extortion and incitement of enthic hatred. He was released from custody, but the court made him pay a fine of more than $7 thousand and banned carrying out journalistic activities within three years.
Reporter of British Broadcasting Corporation Urunboy Usmonov was found guilty of involvement in the banned religious extremist organization "Hizb-ut-Tahrir" and sentenced to three years of imprisonment, but was immediately pardoned and released from the courtroom.
Both journalists have denied the charges against them, claiming that they performed their duty. They filed appeals against the sentence of the court.
It is expected that on Thursday Mijatovic will meet with representatives of civil society in Tajikistan. Mijatovic also intends to meet with government officials in Tajikistan.
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