Kyrgyz media reports says eleven Kyrgyz journalists have been placed in a pretrial detention facility for two months in relation to criminal proceedings instituted for alleged “calls for mass riots”.
The authorities reportedly detained journalists collaborating with several independent publications, namely Temirov Live, Ayt Ayt Dese, Politklinika.kg and Archa Media on January 16. On the evening of January 17, eleven media workers were reportedly placed in the pretrial detention facility for a period of two months, in relation to criminal proceedings instituted for alleged “calls for disobedience and mass riots”, which foresees penalties of five to eight years in prison for those convicted.
The International Press Institute (IPI) says Kyrgyzstani media listed the arrested journalists as Makhabat Tajibek Kyzy, Sapar Akunbekov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliev, Aktilek Kaparov, Tynystan Asypbekov, Maksat Tajibek Uulu, Joodar Buzumov, Jumabek Turdaliev, Aike Beyshekeeva and Akyl Orozbekov.
Authorities reportedly claimed that unspecified articles contained calls for the use of violence. On his Facebook page, Temirov Live founder Bolot Temirov indicated that the arrests may have been prompted by a recent investigation by Temirov Live into the misuse of public funds by Interior Minister Ulanbek Niyazbekov. He noted that all of the arrested journalists were current or former collaborators of Temirov Live and rejected the claim that those detained had engaged in “calls for mass riots”.
Eight international human rights groups have called on the Kyrgyz government to stop its crackdown on independent media.
In a joint statement released on January 16, Civil Rights Defenders, Human Rights Watch, the International Partnership for Human Rights, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, People in Need, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, the International Federation for Human Rights, and the World Organization Against Torture urge the Kyrgyz authorities to respect freedom of the press and cease their repressive actions.
