Uzbekistan's Agency of Information and Mass Communications commented on the situation around the founder of Nemolchi.uz, a project aimed at combatting violence, and journalist Irina Matvienko.
On May 3, the activist reported that she had temporarily left Uzbekistan after receiving death threats from an unknown person. She filed a complaint with law enforcement.
According to Article 10 of the Law 'On Protection of Professional Activity of Journalists,' the agency states that the state protects a journalist in performing his professional activity.
According to Article 14 of the Law, violation of the rights of a journalist, insult to his honor and dignity, threat, violence, or infringement on the life, health, and property of a journalist in connection with the performance of his professional activity entails liability following the legislation. These guarantees are also expressed in Article 5 of the Law 'On Mass Media.'
'Agency of Information and Mass Communications strongly condemns such cases as actions contrary to the new policy of openness, freedom of speech and information, free activity of journalists,' the statement reads.
The agency sent an official letter to the Office of the Prosecutor-General requesting an understanding and legal assessment of the situation and expressed confidence that the safety of the journalist's life would be ensured and legal action taken against those who threatened her.
The Cyber Security Center of the Internal Affairs Intelligence Department also studies the situation.
Irina Matvienko reported many high-profile cases of violence against women and children in Uzbekistan. Among them were events in the Khorezm region, where three minors of the family orphanage were forced into intimacy.
Nemolchi.uz project has also contributed to adopting a law to strengthen accountability for violence against women and children.
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