US, Uzbekistan - RSF welcomes Muhammad Bekjanov, once the world`s longest-detained journalist, to Washington
(WorldNews France)

Once the editor of Uzbekistan`s leading opposition newspaper, Erk (Freedom), Muhammad Bekjanov is one of the world`s longest-detained reporters, having spent 18 years in prison. Today, he considers himself an independent journalist serving the Uzbek community and an inadvertent advocate for political reform and rehabilitation in Uzbekistan. Bekjanov traveled to Washington, accompanied by his oldest daughter Aygul, on September 5 and 6 for a series of meetings with members of Congress, the State Department, human rights organizations and the press. During these meetings Bekjanov discussed his experiences as a political prisoner, the media environment today, and opportunities to push for...