May 12 Hearing Set to Decide Fate of April TV Channel
First Hearing Scheduled for Closure of April TV Channel: Concerns Rise Over Freedom of Expression
The Oktyabrsky District Court of Bishkek is set to hold the first hearing on the controversial case concerning the potential closure of the April TV channel on May 12 at 4 p.m., as reported by the channel’s editorial team.
The lawsuit, filed by the Prosecutor’s Office of the Oktyabrsky district, seeks to shut down the channel under the pretext of ensuring public safety and preventing the spread of unlawful information. The authorities argue that the channel fails to comply with existing media legislation.
The editorial board of April TV contends that the lawsuit accuses the channel of perpetuating a negative portrayal of the current Kyrgyz government. According to the claims, the channel’s programming, which reportedly includes sarcastic commentary, ridicule, and expressive portrayals from hosts, erodes public trust in the government and fosters distrust among viewers.
To bolster their case, the Prosecutor’s Office pointed to expert examinations conducted in late 2024. These evaluations were performed by various state institutions, including the Forensic Expert Service, the Republican Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, and the National Academy of Sciences. All three assessments concluded that April TV’s broadcasts exhibited linguistic indicators suggesting a negative stance toward the government.
In its defense, the editorial staff emphasized their commitment to lawful actions against harmful activities and reiterated that freedom of speech and criticism of authority are fundamental principles of a democratic society. "We firmly believe that freedom of expression and independent journalism are not threats, but the foundation of a stable democracy. President Sadyr Japarov himself has repeatedly said that constructive criticism is essential," stated the editorial team.
The situation has drawn international attention, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) denouncing the lawsuit. The organization criticized Kyrgyz authorities for what it describes as an alarming trend of shutting down news outlets on dubious grounds.
As the hearing approaches, many are watching closely, eager to see how the court will navigate the delicate balance between government authority and press freedom in Kyrgyzstan.
