"I am always on the side of free-thinking journalists" - President

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that it is impossible to imagine the formation of civil society without freedom of speech and press.

"In our updated Constitution, it was clearly established that Uzbekistan is a secular state and a place that unites different cultures. Our strength is that we must protect this wealth like the apple of an eye. If we look at history, we can see that different beliefs and views, religions and cultures have been accepted with tolerance in our country for centuries.

We are a nation that chooses the way to resolve conflicts not by war, but by peace. We have always lived in harmony, friendship and cooperation with all nations. We rely on these principles in our development today.

First of all, we need a strong civil society, because any reform must start from the hearts and minds of each of us. We should be ready to live conscientiously according to fair laws, we should take a step forward for the future of the country.

Today, when it comes to the formation of a developed civil society, it cannot be imagined without freedom of speech and press. Journalists all over the world have fought for the truth and will continue to fight for the right to speak and write about topics that concern them and society.

But I can say with confidence that I have been on the side of free-thinking journalists and will always be in this position. At the same time, honesty and impartiality should be the main criteria in the information space," the head of state said.