Tajikistan Blocks Access to Web Sites in the Run-Up to Presidential Election
Tajik Government has finally understood that strict censorship of print media and total control over television and radio outlets is not enough to completely stifle the freedom of speech in the country. Last week, the Communications Ministry launched an unexpected attack against a number of Web sites, the last bastions of freedom of speech for Tajik independent journalists and readers.
Tajikistan’s information regulation agency, a part of the Communications Ministry, sent a letter to Tajik Internet Service Providers (ISPs) demanding that they “filter and block access to websites on the Internet that aim to undermine the state’s policies in the sphere of information”. As the letter suggests, this decision has been taken “in compliance with the national concept of information security developed in year 2003” (Biznes i Politika, Page 3, October 5).
The letter did not specify which Web sites the Ministry wanted to block. Deutsche Welle has quoted Maruf Muhammedov, head of the ISP Eastera as saying that they had been demanded to block access to www.charogiruz.ru, www.arianastorm.ru, www.ferghana.ru, www.tajikistantimes.ru и www.centrasia.org. These Web sites are known for their frequent criticism of Emomali Rakhmonov and his policies.
On Saturday, October 7, the users of major ISPs in Tajikistan, including Telecom Technology and Eastera, could not open the mentioned websites, while Babilon users continued to browse the sites even on Monday.
Internet censorship is not a new phenomenon, especially in countries with authoritarian regimes. Analysts have observed an inverse correlation between the level of Internet development in a given country and the degree of control the government of that country tries to exert over society. However, most governments usually deny their attempts to censor Internet. The Tajik Government’s open demand that ISPs block Web sites “harmful to state security” is thus especially worrying.
Freedom of media watchdogs and human rights groups have accused Rakhmonov of stifling media freedom ahead of the presidential election. Earlier this year, Tajikistan banned BBC’s broadcasting for alleged violation of legislation on foreign mass media. Last week, the Ministry of Culture suspended printing of Adolat (Justice) newspaper by the Democratic Party.
Nuriddin Karshibaev, head of the National Association of Independent Mass Media said, “We consider the blocking of Websites by the information regulation agency as an attempt to limit the Tajik citizens’ freedom of information. This step taken ahead of the presidential election will have a negative impact on Tajikistan’s international image”.
Independent Tajik journalist, who had frequently written for www.centrasia.ru, said on terms on anonymity,
Only about 3 percent of Tajikistan’s population has access to Internet. These are mostly intellectuals, who will not find it difficult to operate proxy programs. Once people have Internet access, they are often able to get around the blocking measures, although the blocking does make their access to information more difficult.
The Government’s decision to block the “harmful” Web sites will not thus seriously hinder access to them of independent journalists. However, the step itself is indicative of the Government’s resolve to exert total control over the Tajik society. It means that Emomali Rakhmonov’s announced determination to continue democratic developments in the country may remain only on paper.
on October 10th, 2006 at 5:17 am
On the Russian-language blog, as you know, I\’ve posted a post with similar topic (you can read it here http://ru.tajikistan.neweurasia.net/?p=55). I assumed that it was just a disinformation spread by the opponents of Rahmonov, or enemies, I don\’t know how to call them. Not too many people are using Internet, and Internet does not have that much effect on the policy of the state. I mistakenly thought that Rahmonov is not going to undermine his polished image. That’s because I got in touch with my friend who is working in Asia Plus and he denied the fact. Probably, Asia Plus is using the service of Babilon. Anyway, it is sad to know that the Internet falls under the strict censorship of the state, though only the very tiny part of population is using it.
It is interesting to know how many people use the services of Babilon. Are there any other providers besides Babilon Eastera and Telecom Tchnology? Is Babilon also going to receive that letter?
on October 10th, 2006 at 5:27 am
Asia Plus has quoteed deputy director of the information regulation agency as saying that the Web sites might be unblocked in the future “if they stop publishing negative information”. So, the population of Tajikistan is expected to have access only to the “positive information”. For instance, we can always read what the president has to say and how much cotton has been picked so far…
on October 10th, 2006 at 5:30 am
Vadim,
There are some 12 ISPs in Tajikistan, while Babilon, Telecom Technology and Eastera are by far the largest ones. As far as I know, many international organizations and embassies trust Babilon to provide them with Internet service. Most governmental agencies use the Internet provided by Telecom Technology.
on October 12th, 2006 at 7:23 am
Alexander,
Thanks for the comprehensive information. I didn’t understand the action of the government regarding the access to some websites. Today I read in REGNUM, that access to previously blocked websites is restored. The head of Information regulation department at Ministry of Communications states that journalists simply misunderstood the situation, there was no access to some websites due to technical problems, and there was nothing to do with cencorship.
Read here in Russian: http://ru.tajikistan.neweurasia.net/?p=56
on October 12th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Vadim,
Those who write for the REGNUM must be very unprofessional. The Ozodi radio yesterday morning broadcasted an interview with a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Communications. He said that the complaints sent by international organizations and local NGOs made the Ministry reverse its decision. Besides, they cannot say that “technical problems” has caused the blocking, for their letter published in the Biznes i Politika weekly read that they demanded the ISPs to “filter and block” websites because of security reasons.
I also have a post on the issue: http://tajikistan.neweurasia.net/?p=117
on December 12th, 2006 at 12:46 am
there is one more internet provider left,its intercom.i’m not sure but from that provider all the information was available,and negative likewise positive!!
on July 28th, 2007 at 5:02 am
Yes, and today, on 28/07/2007 the acces to the siet charogiruz.ru is blocked. But we do not need to the internet, we need for water, bread, electricite…… We know the real life in TJ without this site also. Rakhmonov he doesn’t know!