Media Community in Kyrgyzstan Urges Authorities for Dialogue
The Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan has sounded the alarm on the increasing intimidation and harassment of journalists by the authorities in the country. Tamara Valieva, the Chairperson of the platform, spoke out at a press conference, highlighting the recent mass searches, summonses for interrogation, and arrests of media professionals as tactics aimed at intimidating and silencing journalists.
Valieva emphasized the crucial role of journalists and the media in serving as a bridge between the people and those in power. She asserted that the investigations and actions taken against journalists like Bolot Temirov and Ali Toktakunov are nothing but attempts to suppress their professional activities and deter them from fulfilling their duty to the public.
Calling on the authorities to cease their harassment of the media, Valieva urged President Sadyr Japarov to engage in dialogue with representatives of independent media. She stressed that journalists are not seeking confrontation but are simply carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The recent incidents include the search of the office of 24.kg news agency and the questioning of its management, as well as the search of Temirov Live’s office and the detention of several of the outlet’s current and former employees. The authorities have cited criminal cases related to “Propaganda of War” and “calling for riots” as grounds for these actions.
The Media Action Platform’s plea for President Japarov to address the escalating hostility towards journalists reflects the urgent need to safeguard press freedom and ensure the protection of media professionals in Kyrgyzstan. The platform, along with journalists and media organizations, is calling for an end to the intimidation and harassment of the media and for a meaningful dialogue to address these pressing concerns.
