Tajikistan: conviction of journalist Khayrullo Mirsaidov

Tajikistan: UN rights experts condemn conviction of journalist Khayrullo Mirsaidov

GENEVA (20 July 2018) – Two United Nations human rights experts* today called upon Tajikistan to reverse the conviction and sentencing of journalist Khayrullo Mirsaidov, calling it a clearly targeted measure against journalism and the public’s right to information.

“The conviction of Mirsaidov signals that the authorities are cracking down on reporting of corruption, rather than on corruption itself,” the experts said. “We strongly object to this kind of criminalization of one of the fundamental rights that people enjoy.”

Mr. Mirsaidov was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on 11 July, after he was convicted of embezzling, misusing state funds and false reporting to police. The charges were brought after he had sent an open letter to the President and public officials, calling for them to address corruption by local authorities.

The case followed what has been reported as a deeply flawed investigation, during which Mr. Mirsaidov was forced to endure seven months of pre-trial detention.

“We are deeply concerned that this case did not even meet the basic requirements of due process,” the experts said.

In 2018, the authorities intensified a crackdown on journalists, human rights defenders, opposition members and lawyers. In his 2016 report to the UN Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression strongly criticized the attacks on the media and civil society organizations, including by pretextual charges such as embezzlement and tax evasion.

“We urge the authorities to ensure that existing legislation is not abused to prosecute individuals on unfounded grounds,” the experts stressed.

Mr. Mirsaidov’s lawyers have said that they will appeal against the conviction.

ENDS

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