Russian state-funded news agency Rossiya Segodnya has failed to gain accreditation in Tajikistan, according to the country’s Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Aslov.
“Russia has repeatedly asked us [for accreditation], but Rossiya Segodnya has not yet provided answers to the questions or doubts that we have. Therefore, the process is continuing,” Mr Aslov stated at a press conference.
The Foreign Minister did not elaborate on the reasons for refusing accreditation to Rossiya Segodnya, which has been trying to open a bureau in the capital Dushanbe since December 2014. Analysts have reported, however, that the Tajik government is concerned by the influence of Russian media outlets, although state-funded Russian media outlets do currently have correspondents operating in Tajikistan.
Source: Radio Free Europe