DUSHANBE, June 21, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- European Union Embassies are deeply concerned by reports that a BBC journalist, Urunboy Usmonov, was detained on 13 June and maltreated by security authorities in Khujand, a joint statement released by the European Union Heads of Missions in Dushanbe yesterday said.

“We understand that he has subsequently been charged as a member of Hizb-ut-Tahrir.  We call on the Tajik authorities to fully investigate the claims of maltreatment of Mr. Usmonov.  We are also concerned that due legal process has not been correctly adhered to since Mr. Usmonov was detained.”

“The European Union continues to stress the importance of media freedom in Tajikistan; and whilst recognizing the efforts of the Tajik Government in ensuring stability and security within the country, would continue to urge the Tajik authorities to adhere to transparent international judicial standards.”

The European Union, composed of 27 Member States, is the world’s biggest aid donor.  The statement notes that the total value of EU assistance disbursed to Tajikistan since 1992 is over €500 million.