BBC Service Suspended

Tajikistan has suspended the BBC's local FM radio service, as the government enforces tougher procedures to register various media outlets. Although officials insisted that the suspension was only procedural, due to a failure by the BBC to register with the Justice Ministry by the recently shortened 20-day registration deadline, the move raises concern that Tajikistan is suppressing media freedom. With President Imomali Rakhmonov seeking re-election for another seven-year term at polls due later in 2006, the administration appears to be making pre-emptive efforts to tighten its grip on the media.

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