On 7 November 2019 in Zurich, Switzerland, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – the Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Emomali Rahmon received the President of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty Mr. Jamie Fly.

At the outset of the meeting the President Emomali Rahmon underlined that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan attaches great importance to the freedom of the press and ensuring freedom of speech in the country. He noted that necessary efforts are being made to create free and stable atmosphere for the activity of the local and foreign media outlets.

At the meeting the Tajik President has noted that the recent news about the closure of the Radio Ozodi are absolute falsehood. He added that today 18 employees of the Tajik Service are accredited in Tajikistan and each of them is working freely. At the same time, the President emphasized that in some post-Soviet countries the activity of the RFE/RL is prohibited.

There are more than 250 local and foreign independent media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, radio, television and news agencies operate in the country today.

The President has indicated that in recent years the Radio Ozodi in its reports is engaged in propaganda of activities of the terrorist groups, which are banned by the decision of the Supreme Court.

The Leader of the Nation Mr. Emomali Rahmon has emphasized that such violations, regardless of their media affiliation, will not allowed. He said that the activity of any media should be strictly based on the laws of the Republic of Tajikistan, in particular the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Periodical Press and other Mass Media.

The Head of State demanded from the leadership the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, while reflecting political, economic and social life of Tajikistan, to produce realistic material that are based on the views of the civil society.