Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov Urges Media Accountability, Rejects Abuse of Freedom of Speech
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov Emphasizes Importance of Responsible Journalism at Meikin Awards Ceremony
During the recent Meikin journalism awards ceremony, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan took the opportunity to address various media outlets, expressing his concerns about the spread of unconfirmed information and rumors by certain editorial offices.
In his speech, President Japarov urged journalists, particularly those from outlets like Azattyk and a few others, to be cautious when publishing news and to ensure that the information they share is backed by evidence. He emphasized the importance of investigating corruption, highlighting shortcomings, and presenting findings to society in a responsible manner.
While acknowledging the importance of freedom of speech in the country, President Japarov urged journalists not to hide behind this freedom and refrain from spreading rumors or inciting mass unrest. He reassured that the government is committed to relentlessly fighting against corruption and urged journalists to contribute to this effort by ensuring the accuracy of their reporting.
The annual presidential Meikin award, which recognizes excellence in media and journalism, aims to motivate creativity and elevate the status of the journalism profession in Kyrgyzstan. The prize fund for this prestigious award totals 10 million soms, with one million soms allocated for each of the ten categories.
President Japarov’s message at the Meikin awards ceremony emphasizes the need for responsible journalism and the importance of upholding ethical standards in the media industry. This call for integrity and professionalism serves as a reminder to journalists to prioritize accuracy and credibility in their reporting, ultimately benefiting both the society and the journalism profession as a whole.
