(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has called on the Uzbek government to comment on the recent blocking of the website of a local freedom of expression group, Ozod Ovoz, which often carries criticism of Uzbek President Islam Karimov. The authorities regularly censor such critical news websites. Ozodovoz.org, launched in April 2003 as an outlet for those who […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has called on the Uzbek government to comment on the recent blocking of the website of a local freedom of expression group, Ozod Ovoz, which often carries criticism of Uzbek President Islam Karimov. The authorities regularly censor such critical news websites.
Ozodovoz.org, launched in April 2003 as an outlet for those who want to protest online about lack of freedom of expression in the country, has been inaccessible from both private homes and cybercafés in Uzbekistan since 2 September. Ozod Ovoz said anti-Karimov messages were posted on the site shortly before it was blocked.
The group’s Azerbaijan-based website is thought to have been blocked in Uzbekistan by the state-run Internet service provider, UzPAK, which has a near-monopoly on Internet access. Those trying to connect to the website get a message saying access is not authorised.
Ozodovoz.org editor Bobomurod Abdullaev said he was no longer able to update the site. However, CASCFEN, a press freedom network in Central Asia and the southern Caucasus, of which Ozod Ovoz is a member, said its staff in Azerbaijan were able to post material on the site.
