The Dushanbe office of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), known as Radio Ozodi in Tajikistan, ceased its operations on 17 August 2026. RFE/RL confirmed the closure to Asia-Plus, stating that it was part of structural changes and that the organisation would continue its activities for audiences in Tajikistan from its headquarters in Prague, while maintaining its network of journalists in the country. According to Asia-Plus, more than 20 people were working at the Dushanbe office, with some journalists invited to continue their work from the organisation’s Prague office, while others may continue working from Tajikistan under contracts or are currently seeking employment. The closure represents a reduction in the physical presence of an independent international media organisation in Tajikistan and is relevant to the broader enabling environment for civil society, particularly in relation to access to information, freedom of expression and the availability of independent public-interest reporting.
The closure of the Radio Ozodi office should be viewed against the broader, increasingly restrictive environment for freedom of expression, independent media and civil society in Tajikistan. Independent media and critical voices have faced sustained pressure in recent years, while journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organisations have been subject to restrictions, arrests, prosecutions and other forms of pressure.
In this context, the loss of the physical presence of an established independent media organisation risks further reducing the space for independent reporting and public discussion.