Kyrgyzstan|politics|October 11, 2024 / 02:48 PM
EU, US, UK express concerns over verdict for journalists in Bishkek

AKIPRESS.COM - The Delegation of the European Union to Kyrgyzstan and the Embassies of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden express concern about the decision of the Leninsky District Court in Bishkek in the case of 11 investigative journalists from Temirov Live group.

Independent, fact-based journalism is vital to democracy and media workers should never be punished for doing their work. The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting media freedom and pluralism around the world, the statement said.

The British and US Embassies also responded to the court verdicts in a joint statement: "We are concerned by today's court decision to sentence Makhabat Tajibek kyzy and Azamat Ishenbekov to prison terms and Ayke Beyshekeyeva and Aktilek Kaparov to probation in the case of Temirov Live journalists. We call for their appeals to be heard as soon as possible."

While welcoming the acquittal of seven other media representatives in this case, it is important to note that journalists should not be punished for doing their jobs. Unfortunately, this appears to be part of a trend of shrinking space for media freedom in the Kyrgyz Republic. The United States and the United Kingdom remain committed to supporting free speech and independent journalism in the Kyrgyz Republic and around the world, the two Embassies said in a joint statement.

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