BBC demands release of 'frail' Tajik journalist

BBC World Service has again condemned the detention of its correspondent Urunboy Usmonov by authorities in Tajikistan, warning that the journalist is "frail and frightened".

Last month, the corporation called for the immediate release of Usmonov, echoing similar demands from the British and American Embassies.

World Service said that the Tajik authorities have now confirmed that their investigation has been completed, with the results handed over to the regional prosecutor's office.

The broadcaster also noted that the prosecutor general of Tajikistan has requested a summary of the case to be passed to the head of state, president Emomali Rakhmon.

The BBC expressed its hope for a "speedy conclusion" to the situation, leading to the release of Usmonov and the clearing of his name. It also again refuted claims by the Tajik authorities that the reporter was a member of Hizbut-Tahrir, an extreme Islamic group calling for the unification of Muslims under Sharia law.

"We believe that meetings and interviews with people representing all shades of opinion are part of the work of any BBC journalist," said World Service in a statement.

"We also remain deeply concerned about Urunboy Usmonov's well-being. BBC colleagues have been able to visit and found him to be frail and frightened.

"It is now essential that our colleague is released as soon as possible, so that he can return to his family and his work as a respected journalist and writer."

Separately, the BBC has reported that its BBC Persian TV service is being jammed from within Iran, claiming that the "deliberate interference" began yesterday morning and is affecting the TV channel on the Hot Bird satellite.

The BBC said that Eutelsat, the satellite owner, has confirmed that the geolocalisation of the source of the jamming is in Iran.

"The BBC and Eutelsat condemn this deliberate interference that is clearly contrary to international conventions for the use of satellites," said the corporation.

"Eutelsat have confirmed that they will be submitting a new complaint to the French Regulator, ANFR, for filing with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)."

A similar situation occurred to the BBC Persian Service in February, which the BBC said was down to objections from Iran to its coverage of the political unrest in the Middle East.