Freedom of the press is ostensibly officially guaranteed by the government, but independent press outlets remain restricted, as does a substantial amount of web content. According to the Institute for War & Peace Reporting, access is blocked to local and foreign websites including avesta.tj, Tjknews.com, ferghana.ru, centrasia.ru and journalists are often obstructed from reporting on controversial events. In practice, no public criticism of the regime is tolerated and all direct protest is severely suppressed and does not receive coverage in the local media. COUNT 4
QSN1 Even though Tajikistan has freedom of the press, what is the problem with it? ANS1 independent press outlets remain restricted QSN2 What is not tolerated by the government in respect to media? ANS2 no public criticism of the regime is tolerated QSN3 What is not covered by local media? ANS3 all direct protest is severely suppressed QSN4 What access is blocked? ANS4 access is blocked to local and foreign websites including avesta.tj, Tjknews.com, ferghana.ru, centrasia.ru