Amnesty International called on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to drop «baseless charges» against Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese journalists ahead of the verdict.
Ahead of the verdict expected on October 3, in the case against Aike Beishekeeva, Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy and nine other current or former journalists from independent media outlet Temirov LIVE and its partner project Ait Ait Dese, who face up to six years in prison on politically motivated charges of «calling for mass unrest,» Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s acting Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:
«These charges are nothing more than a politically motivated attempt to stifle free expression and punish journalists for their work. We reiterate our urgent call on the Kyrgyzstani authorities to release all those detained and drop the baseless charges against them. Temirov LIVE, Ait Ait Dese and all other independent media should be able to operate freely and safely.»
«Any attempt to silence journalists with trumped-up charges is an unforgivable attack on the human right to freedom of expression and undermines Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations,» he said.
On January 16, the office of Temirov Live was searched and editorial equipment was confiscated. The police searched homes and detained 11 current and former employees of the media outlet.
The Interior Ministry issued a statement announcing that, as a result of «forensic linguistic examination» of content found on the social media pages of Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese on December 30, criminal proceedings had been initiated against them under article 278, part 3 of the Criminal Code for «calling for riots.»
Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy, Sapar Akunbekov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliev, Aktilek Kaparov, Tynystan Asypbekov, Maksat Tazhibek uulu, Zhoodar Buzumov, Zhumabek Turdaliev, Aike Beishekeeva and Akyl Orozbekov were detained. All 11 detained journalists were arrested for two months.
Later, the court placed most of the detained journalists under house arrest and released under a written undertaking not to leave the city.
Four journalists have been behind bars for more than six months.
