Journalists, human rights activists, bloggers, civil activists are regularly harassed by the authorities of Kyrgyzstan. Cholpon Nogoibaeva, manager of Media Dialogue project, stated this today at a round table discussion on the topic: «Reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic: for whom, what for and how?».
According to her, the National Development Program until 2026 of the Cabinet of Ministers, which promises fundamental reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, social security in all areas, contains very ambitious goals, but the actions are diametrically opposite.
She cited as an example the unprecedented pressure on the media, initiation of criminal cases against Kaktus.Media, Next TV, absurd charges against independent investigative journalist Bolot Temirov. The expert recalled the law on protection from inaccurate and false information by the former deputy Gulshat Asylbayeva. It deprives the media of a fundamental right to judicial protection.
Cholpon Nogoibaeva pointed out that instead of the promised support for victims of domestic violence and preventive measures, the dynamics of abuse of women and children is growing.
The expert noted the incomprehensible pension reform, which will turn the elderly into extremely poor.
According to Cholpon Nogoibaeva, officials have ceased to perceive criticism and the goal of civil society is to reach out to them, to explain that the population does not like the initiated reforms.
