Index on Censorship » Central Asia

Azerbaijani journalists forbidden from filming subjects

Intern — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:40:26 +0000

Laws were revised late last Friday forbidding journalists from filming, recording or photographing subjects without their express permission. Parliamentarian Panah Huseynov claims this is a move to restrict the freedom of press and announced he would appeal to the courts regarding the law. Several prominent newspaper editors, including the former editor of the Russian-language weekly Real Azerbaijan, Eynulla Fatullayev, are now serving prison sentences on charges that critics claim are politically motivated.

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Uzbekistani photographer put on trial for slander

Intern — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:25:12 +0000

Photographer and documentary film-maker Umida Akhmedova has been charged with slandering and insulting the Uzkbek people. Under articles 139 and 140 of the criminal code the charges carry a maximum sentence of three years in jail. Akhmedova’s crime was to photograph men and women living in poverty in Uzbekistan, she also made a documentary about women’s rights.

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Azerbaijan convicts newspaper editor of libel

Intern — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:03:41 +0000

Newspaper editor Ayyub Karimov has been given a 18-month suspended sentence after being convicted of libelling the interior minister Ramil Usubov. Ububov claimed articles printed in the Azadlyg and Femida 007 newspapers were inaccurate and damaged his dignity and honour, citing article 147.2 of the criminal code, slander by accusal of committing grave crimes. The minister’s lawyer demanded a two-year prison sentence and is considering appealing the sentence. Karimov has also vowed to appeal the verdict.

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Tajiki independent weekly fined, more lawsuits follow

Intern — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Lawsuits were launched against four leading newspapers following a Dushanbe court’s decision to uphold a damages award against independent news weekly Paykon. The damages award of 300,000 somoni (€49,000) was confirmed on 26 January. Paykon published an open letter to President Emomali Rakhmon from a number of businessmen accusing Tajikstandart, a government agency, of corruption and incompetency. Nuriddin Qarshiboev, the chairman of Tajikistan’s Association of Independent Media, predicted the media would be targeted in the run-up to the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 28.

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International Media Support

Index on Censorship — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:54:36 +0000

International Media Support is committed to freedom of expression and supports local media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. IMS activities cover three thematic areas of engagement. In addition to media and conflict, IMS is engaged in media and democracy activities in countries in transition in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and in media and dialogue activities mainly covering the Arab world and Iran.

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