President’s Remarks on Searches at 24.kg News Agency Cause Media Pressure
President of Kyrgyzstan Addresses Searches in 24.kg News Agency
In a recent interview with Kabar state agency, the President of Kyrgyzstan commented on the searches that took place in the office of 24.kg news agency. The operational and investigative measures were conducted within the framework of a criminal case initiated under Article 407 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, which pertains to the propaganda of war. President Sadyr Japarov stated that after interrogation on the same day, the employees of the news agency were released, and the case is currently being investigated in accordance with the legislation of the country.
The incident occurred on January 16, when employees of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) arrived at the office of 24.kg news agency at about 11 a.m. General Director Asel Otorbaeva, Editors-in-Chief Anton Lymar and Makhinur Niyazova were taken for interrogation, and their equipment and personal mobile phones were confiscated. 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.
Subsequently, on January 17, Asel Otorbaeva and Makhinur Niyazova were summoned for questioning to the SCNS.
The President’s comments serve to address the situation and ensure that the appropriate legal procedures are followed throughout the investigation. The incident has sparked discussions about press freedom and the protection of journalists in Kyrgyzstan, and it will continue to be monitored as the case develops.
