Almazbek Atambayev: There is real freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan

"Kyrgyzstan occupies the leading position among the countries of the region in terms of freedom of speech," Kyrgyzstan's President Almazbek Atambayev said at the presentation of credentials of ambassadors of several countries.

«Today I will take a little more your time," he said, addressing the diplomats. — You are obliged by duty to monitor the situation in the accreditation countries. And perhaps you read our newspapers with fear. You know that we don’t have forbidden topics that wouldn’t be covered in the media.»

«As for the level of freedom of speech, the KR occupies a leading position among the countries of the region. This is recognized by international ratings. One of the main achievements of the April revolution was that Kyrgyzstan has become the country of free people, there is real freedom of speech," Almazbek Atambayev said.

«Today’s hype in some media is caused by my tough speech about the situation in the information field of the country. People are concerned about the way the media deliberately spread false information, slander. As the head of state, I can’t calmly watch how the people become hostages to conjectures and rumors, various manipulations," Almazbek Atambayev noted.

«A severe punishment for libel is applied throughout the world. In the United States and France, one can pay not only a large fine, but also to go to jail for up to five years. Strict punishment is provided in Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Great Britain. Criminal penalties are also provided in Lithuania, Latvia, India, Norway, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Switzerland. I’m not talking about our neighbors - from Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan," Almazbek Atambayev said.