U.S. Ambassador Calls On Tajik Authorities To 'Support Journalists' Rights'

The U.S. ambassador to Tajikistan, Manuel Micaller, called on Tajik authorities on March 11 -- the Day Of Press in the Central Asian nation -- "to support the rights of journalists and to respect their freedom of expression," stressing that "an independent press is a key element of building democracy." In recent years, several Tajik journalists, rights activists, and opposition politicians have been handed lengthy prison terms on charges seen by rights groups as trumped up and politically motivated. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, click here.