The Media Action Platform calls on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to stop pressure on the media.
The activists responded to the demand of the Ministry of Culture to Noviye Litsa online newspaper and Kloop to remove the article «March on Bishkek. How the people of the owner of Wagner PMC «helped» elect the president of Kyrgyzstan.» Radio Azattyk was issued a warning.
The Media Action Platform states that they are «seriously concerned about the increased pressure on journalists,» as well as the application of the Law «On Protection from False Information» against representatives of the media and independent journalists.
«We believe that such a warning is an unacceptable attempt to interfere in the editorial policy of an independent media outlet and a restriction on press freedom. Instead of providing facts and evidence, government agencies use punitive methods to suppress critical publications,» the text says.
Media experts believe that the Law «On Protection from False Information» does not fulfill its main goal — to counter disinformation. In their opinion, the document is used «as a tool to protect senior officials from criticism and investigations, and also limits freedom of speech and independence of the media, creating obstacles for journalists.»
The Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan calls on the authorities to stop any form of pressure on journalists, ensure the protection of freedom of speech and freedom of the press in accordance with the Constitution, and members of Parliament to immediately repeal the Law «On Protection from False Information» as inconsistent with the principles of democracy and human rights.
