Russian Journalists Advocate for Release of Detained Media Workers in Bishkek
Russian Journalists Call for an End to Persecution of Media Workers in Kyrgyzstan
A group of Russian journalists has issued a strong appeal to put an end to the persecution of independent media outlets in Kyrgyzstan. The appeal, which has been signed by 50 journalists and individual media outlets, comes in the wake of recent incidents involving journalists and media organizations in Kyrgyzstan.
According to the appeal, the Kyrgyz authorities have launched a crackdown on free journalism, citing the searches conducted at the office of the 24.kg portal and the subsequent detention and arrest of 11 journalists from various investigative projects. The charges against the journalists range from “war propaganda” to “calls for mass unrest.”
The signatories of the appeal have expressed serious concerns over the escalation of repression against journalists in Kyrgyzstan, stating that such actions amount to a declaration of war on civil society. They have emphasized that the crackdown is a direct attack on freedom of speech, undermining the strong tradition of independent journalism in the country.
The appeal also calls on democratic states to intervene and initiate diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the detained journalists and to drop the criminal charges against them. It emphasizes the fundamental principle that journalists should not be imprisoned for simply carrying out their work.
The recent incidents include the search and confiscation of equipment at the office of 24.kg news agency, as well as the detention of employees of Temirov Live. The authorities have justified these actions by citing criminal cases under charges of “propaganda of war” and “calling for riots.”
As a result, 11 former and current employees of Temirov Live have been arrested and are being held in pretrial detention until further notice.
The appeal from Russian journalists highlights the gravity of the situation in Kyrgyzstan and calls for immediate action to protect the freedom of the press and the rights of journalists. It is a plea for international support to uphold the principles of democracy and press freedom in the face of increasing repression.
