Mary Lawlor, the United Nations' special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, concluded a two-week visit to Tajikistan on December 9 by urging its government to "eliminate the intense atmosphere of fear" in the post-Soviet Central Asian republic. After meetings with activists and officials including lawmakers, judges, and prosecutors, she called on President Emomali Rahmon and other officials to treat human rights activists as "partners, not enemies." To read the original story from RFE/RL's Tajik Service, click here.
UN Envoy Chides Tajik Government For 'Atmosphere Of Fear'
Mary Lawlor, the United Nations' special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, speaks with journalists after concluding her visit to Dushanbe on December 9.