DUSHANBE -- The US embassy in Tajikistan and other Western diplomats urged Tajikistan to protect human rights, including press freedom, according to an embassy statement on Monday (December 10), the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Representatives of the embassies of the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the United States, as well as the EU Delegation, voiced their common concern over the periodic blockage of social media and news sites, including Asia-Plus and Radio Ozodi.
"We believe that the right of individuals to express their views freely is universal, whether exercised in a public square or on the internet," the statement said.
"We urge the government of Tajikistan to provide for press freedom in accordance with Tajikistan's international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," it said.
"We believe that Tajikistan's long-term prosperity, security, and stability require the government's full commitment to protecting freedom of speech, mass media freedom, and the right of journalists to work without fear of censorship or reprisal," said the statement, adding, "Access to fast and affordable internet is essential for any country’s economic development."
