The EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, along with embassies of 13 other EU countries, recently expressed concern regarding the Kyrgyz authorities’ recent suppression of journalists and media offices. The authorities’ actions included frequent detentions of journalists and seizures of property from independent media offices.
The EU delegation urged the Kyrgyz authorities to honor their international human rights commitments. They emphasized the need to protect freedom of expression and maintain the integrity of journalists and media outlets.
Aligning with the EU’s concerns, the US State Department also issued a statement. It underscored that a free and independent press is pivotal for upholding human rights, strengthening democratic institutions, and enhancing peace and security.
These announcements have followed hot on the heels of the actions taken by the Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security. The agency raided the offices of the news agency 24.kg, seized equipment, and detained journalists and the editor-in-chief. Subsequent to these events, other media outlets were also searched with more personnel being apprehended. In total, 14 journalists have been detained.
Liz Throssell, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, earlier issued a statement voicing concern over these raids. She highlighted these actions as part of a broader pattern of oppression against civil society activists, journalists, as well as critics of the authorities.
The Kyrgyz Parliament is currently reviewing a draft law aimed at restricting mass media and freedom of speech. This proposal has stirred widespread condemnation from an array of international bodies and individuals. Among a host of disputed provisions, the law requires state registration for mass media, sparking fears that this could impose significant hurdles for diverse media outlets, including individual bloggers and citizen journalists, operating in Kyrgyzstan.