We have no restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of media – Kyrgyz president’s press secretary

Bishkek, May 3, 2023. / Kabar /. “We’ve got acquainted with the statements of the head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as the U.S. Department State regarding Azattyk,” Kyrgyz president’s press secretary Erbol Sultanbaev wrote on social networks.

He wrote that it is obvious that they made their statements without knowing the real situation on the ground, since they themselves are far from Kyrgyzstan.

“The Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic acted within its powers provided by law for spreading false information about events at the border.

Further, the ministry appealed to the judicial authorities, which, in the course of the proceedings, made an appropriate decision.

The judiciary in our country is independent and makes its own decisions. Nobody has the right to interfere in their work,” Sultanbaev said.

He noted that Kyrgyzstan is an open and free country. “We have no restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of the media. In our country, every citizen has the right to openly express his opinion and uses this right to the full. All organizations have the same rights.

The only condition for everyone is to conduct their activities in strict accordance with the laws of the country.

Therefore, we consider the above statements inappropriate and unfounded, and we urge not to interfere in the internal affairs of our country,” Erbol Sultanbaev wrote.

In late April, the US Department of State expressed deep concern about the court's decision to terminate the activities of Azattyk Media, the local branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. According to a representative of the US State Department, the closure of Azattyk Media will harm the declared commitment to freedom of the press and freedom of speech by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

In addition, Michael McCaul, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the court's decision on the lawsuit against Azattyk Media. He called on the Kyrgyz authorities to withdraw their order to close Azattyk.

On April 27, the Kyrgyz Court ruled to close Azattyk as a media outlet.