During a round table discussion of pressure on the media and freedom of speech in the country, Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, reminded the authorities of their promise to send the finalized draft law «On the Media» to the Venice Commission and the OSCE for examination.
According to her, by doing so, Kyrgyzstan will confirm its commitment to democracy.
Antje Grawe added that the republic is a party to many international treaties and agreements and must comply with its obligations.
«It is the free media that are the ears and eyes of society. They can engage in investigative journalism and report on abuses and violations. The importance of a constructive public dialogue cannot be overestimated. Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan. Aggressive combating with what is seen as harmful content endangers freedom of speech itself and can lead to censorship,» she said.
She added that the application of destructive laws entails the violation of fundamental human rights.
The most effective way to fight disinformation is to protect human rights. That is, fact-checking, media literacy are necessary. The media themselves promise to adhere to international standards in their work.
Antje Grawe
According to her, the state should provide the media with the opportunity to appeal in court decisions that undermine their work and demand compensation for damages.
Recall, seven deputies of Parliament — Zhanar Akaev, Adakhan Madumarov, Elmurza Satybaldiev, Gulya Kozhokulova, Dastan Bekeshev, Seyid Atambayev and Chingiz Aidarbekov — initiate amendments to the law of ex-deputy Gulshat Asylbaeva «On Protection from Inaccurate (False) Information».
The discriminatory document was adopted by the sixth convocation in violation of all procedures of the regulations. Representatives of the media community and experts have repeatedly stated that the law is directed against independent media. The blocking of Azattyk website, Respublica and the partial blocking of 24.kg news agency are proof of this.
Sadyr Japarov signed the law «On protection against inaccurate (false) information», initiated by MP Gulshat Asylbaeva on August 23, 2021.
