Georgian authorities release opposition Tajik journalist
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 August 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgian authorities release opposition Tajik journalist, 21 August 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/521f46af24.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 21, 2013
Tajik journalist Dodozhon Atovulloev
Georgian authorities have released opposition Tajik journalist Dodojon Atovulloev.
Atovulloev was detained on August 20 upon arrving at Tbilisi's airport.
Atovulloev told RFE/RL by telephone on August 21 that he was released several hours after his detention and is currently back in Germany, where he has political asylum.
Atovulloev said that, after he arrived in Georgia from the Czech Republic, he was told that he was wanted by Tajik authorities, who accuse him of extremism and terrorism.
The Paris-based international media rights group, Reporters Without Borders, urged Georgian authorities to immediately release Atovulloev, calling the request by Tajik authorities politically motivated.
Atovulloev is well-known for his reports that are critical of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and members of his family.
Last month, he was denied entry at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, where he also arrived from Prague.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
