British Embassy Condemns Media Situation in Kyrgyzstan
The British Embassy in Kyrgyzstan has issued a statement expressing deep concern over recent developments regarding media outlets and the detention of journalists in the country. The statement, posted on the official Instagram page of the diplomatic mission, highlights the importance of an independent media and freedom of speech in a functioning democratic society.
The embassy emphasized the vital role that journalists play in keeping people informed and ensuring transparency and openness in society. They called on the authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic to ensure that journalists can work freely and safely.
The statement comes in response to the recent actions taken against media outlets and journalists in Kyrgyzstan. On January 16, employees of the State Committee for National Security conducted searches at the offices of 24.kg news agency and Temirov Live, confiscating equipment and personal mobile phones. Additionally, 11 current and former employees of the media outlets were detained by the police.
The Interior Ministry announced that criminal proceedings had been initiated against the media outlets under the charge of “calling for riots,” resulting in the arrest of the detained individuals until the end of the investigation by a court decision.
The embassy’s statement urged the authorities to respect the fundamental right to freedom of expression and urged for the release of the detained individuals. The detained individuals, including former and current employees of Temirov Live, are being held in Bishkek pretrial detention center 1 until March 13.
It is clear that the British Embassy is concerned about the recent actions taken against media outlets and journalists in Kyrgyzstan and is calling for the authorities to uphold the principles of freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
