RFE/RL challenges Kyrgyz government decision to block websites
Washington, D.C. — Today, RFE/RL filed an administrative complaint with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy. The complaint is a response to the Ministry’s decision to block Kyrgyz Service websites for two months after the broadcaster refused to remove a video report about clashes at the border with Tajikistan.
In the administrative complaint, RFE/RL argued that the Ministry’s actions are invalid and fail to meet the most basic requirements of Kyrgyz law. As a result, Kyrgyz authorities are using questionable legal means to crack down on free media in the country.
“RFE/RL will exercise our legal rights to the fullest extent of the law to uphold media freedom in Kyrgyzstan,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Jamie Fly. “Radio Azattyk is, and will remain, a voice of independent and trusted news in the country.”
Since last week’s actions, Kyrgyz officials have taken additional punitive steps against RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service. Kyrgyz authorities have suspended the Service’s bank account on blatantly pretextual grounds. The National Television and Radio Corporation stopped transmitting radio shows on October 23, citing “a technical malfunction of the satellite receiver.” These events follow a recent protest outside RFE/RL’s Bishkek bureau that called on authorities to close the Service and other independent local outlets. Additionally, legislation has been proposed that would further limit media freedom.
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty is a private, independent international news organization whose programs — radio, Internet, television, and mobile — reach influential audiences in 23 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through USAGM.About RFE/RL
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Contact Martins Zvaners
Deputy Director of Media and Public Affairs, Washington, DC
- zvanersm@rferl.org
- (202) 457-6948