Tajikistan’s Crackdown on Independent Media Signals Decline of True Journalism
Tajikistan’s Crackdown on Independent Media Continues with Journalist Jailed and Another Facing 17 Years
Tajikistan has once again made headlines for its clampdown on independent media, as a veteran journalist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, and another reporter faces 17 years on undisclosed charges.
In the southern city of Kulob, Ahmad Ibrohim, a respected 63-year-old editor in chief of a local newspaper, was convicted of bribery, extortion, and extremism charges, despite denying all allegations. Meanwhile, in the capital city of Dushanbe, Rukhshona Hakimova, a 31-year-old independent journalist, is awaiting a verdict in a closed-door trial on mysterious charges classified as “secret.”
The government has labeled Hakimova’s case as treason, with prosecutors seeking 17 years of imprisonment. This comes as at least eight other journalists and bloggers are already serving lengthy prison terms in Tajikistan on what have been deemed bogus charges in recent years.
Ibrohim, who founded the newspaper Paik in 2012, was known for his coverage of local news and occasional critiques of officials in power. One such report accused the Kulob city governor of using state funds to build a road to his mother’s grave, which did not sit well with authorities.
Hakimova’s case, on the other hand, is linked to a public survey she conducted on China’s influence in Tajikistan, a key economic partner for the country. The charges of treason against her have raised concerns among journalists in Dushanbe, who fear an escalation of government crackdowns on dissent.
The deteriorating media landscape in Tajikistan has left many journalists living in fear and resorting to self-censorship. Criticism of President Emomali Rahmon is virtually unheard of in the Tajik media, with most outlets filled with excessive praise for the long-standing leader.
The trend of imprisoning journalists and bloggers on fabricated charges has only intensified in recent years, solidifying Rahmon’s grip on power and silencing any opposition. As journalists continue to face threats and intimidation, the future of independent media in Tajikistan remains uncertain.
Despite international condemnation and calls for press freedom, the government’s crackdown on journalists shows no signs of easing. The Committee To Protect Journalists has described the current media landscape in Tajikistan as the worst in three decades, with Rahmon tightening control and eradicating any form of dissent.
