11 Media Representatives Detained in Bishkek Amidst Legal Concerns
11 media representatives were detained for 48 hours in the Kyrgyz capital.
In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, 11 media representatives have been detained for a period of 48 hours, as reported by lawyer Zamir Zhooshev on Facebook.
The detained individuals include Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy, Sapar Akunbekov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliev, Aktilek Kaparov, Tynystan Asypbekov, Maksat Tazhibek uulu, Zhoodar Buzumov, Zhumabek Turdaliev, Aike Beyshekeeva, and Akyl Orozbekov.
According to the lawyer, all of them are suspected under Part 3 of Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, which pertains to “Calls for active disobedience to the legal demands of government officials and mass riots, as well as calls for violence against citizens.” This article carries a penalty of imprisonment for a period of five to eight years.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs had previously announced the opening of a criminal case related to calls for mass unrest on the internet platforms “Ait Ait Dese” and “Temirov Live.” The detention of media representatives raises concerns about freedom of the press and freedom of expression in the country.
