IPI Condemns Raids and Seizure of Equipment at 24.kg Office
The International Press Institute (IPI) has recently spoken out against the searches and confiscation of equipment at the office of 24.kg news agency in Bishkek. The IPI described the searches as a clear violation of privacy and the media’s right to protect sources.
According to a statement posted on social media by the IPI, the General Director Asel Otorbaeva, as well as editors Anton Lymar and Makhinur Niyazova, must be immediately released, and politically motivated charges against the news agency must be dropped.
The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) conducted the searches at the office of 24.kg news agency and seized computers, laptops, electronic media, and other material evidence relevant to a criminal case. The General Director and Editors-in-Chief were also taken for interrogation.
The SCNS stated that the search at 24.kg news agency was part of a criminal case under the article “Propaganda of War” of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The IPI’s denouncement of the searches and confiscation of equipment emphasizes the importance of protecting media freedom and privacy rights. The situation at 24.kg news agency is a concerning development and will continue to be monitored closely by international press organizations.
