The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has called on Tajikistan to unblock the video-sharing website YouTube and ensure the free flow of information.
Local media reported that Tajikistan's state-run communication service asked Internet providers on July 26 to block access to YouTube.
The OSCE representative on freedom of the media, Dunja Mijatovic, said in a statement that "only courts should be allowed to decide whether websites can be blocked, not authorities."
She said blocking deprives citizens of their right to know, to receive, and impart information about development in their own country."
Mijatovic welcomed Dushanbe's move to restore access to the Asia Plus independent news agency, after blocking the site on July 23.
Local media reported that Tajikistan's state-run communication service asked Internet providers on July 26 to block access to YouTube.
The OSCE representative on freedom of the media, Dunja Mijatovic, said in a statement that "only courts should be allowed to decide whether websites can be blocked, not authorities."
She said blocking deprives citizens of their right to know, to receive, and impart information about development in their own country."
Mijatovic welcomed Dushanbe's move to restore access to the Asia Plus independent news agency, after blocking the site on July 23.
