BBC journalist released on bail in Tajikistan

BBC World Service journalist Urunboy Usmonov, who was detained by Tajik authorities in June, has been released on bail, according to the broadcaster.

Usmonov, who has worked for the BBC Central Asian Service for the past decade, was reportedly collected from prison in Khojand by his son Oybek and is now at home.

The terms of Usmonov's release are unknown at this stage, but the BBC says it understands he is expected to stay at his home in Khojand while the legal process takes place.

Although it not certain what Usmonov has been charged with, shortly after his capture Tajikistan state news agency Press.tj on 18 June accused the BBC correspondent of being a member of banned Islamist group Hizbut-Tahrir.

According to a BBC report at the time of Usmonov's arrest, he arrived at his house with members of the Tajik security services appearing to his family as though he had been "beaten up". A search was reportedly conducted of his home by the officers before he was taken away.

He was then denied regular and confidential access to his lawyer and access to his family, according to the broadcaster.

Peter Horrocks, director BBC Global News, said today: "We are encouraged that Tajik authorities have considered our appeals. As we have said all along we believe Urunboy is innocent and all he was doing was his journalistic work for the BBC.
 
"We know that his family and friends are delighted to have Urunboy back and are appreciative of the support from colleagues at the BBC and around the world."

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