The media's power is frail. Without the people's support, it can be
shut off with the ease of turning a light switch. – Corazon Aquino
Europe & Eurasia
Kyrgyzstan
 |
| IREX Score: 1.66 | [IREX Methodology] |
| {Higher is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 4.00} |
IREX Description:
The new Constitution of Kyrgyzstan, adopted by referendum on June 27, 2010, heralded some important changes for the media, introducing an unprecedented provision: "No one may be prosecuted for spreading information, defaming, or demeaning the honor and dignity of an individual." Thus, the legal framework was liberalized even more, bringing guarantees for freedom of speech and freedom of the media into line with international standards.
However, in June, when conflict erupted in Osh between ethnic Krygyz and ethnic Uzbeks, the level of censorship and self-censorship increased dramatically. The vast majority of journalists and media played down the negative and suppressed photos and videos for fear of provoking a new wave of violence and an escalation of the conflict.
Other notable issues holding back the development of the media in Kyrgyzstan include the failure to formulate a plan for the conversion to digital broadcasting, weak editorial policies, and the lack of solidarity within the profession. Even violent crimes against journalists have not prompted a spirit of unity, and the journalists' associations and trade associations that do exist are poorly organized and ineffective at lobbying for change.
| Freedom House Score: 70 (Not Free) | [Freedom House Methodology] |
| {Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100} |
| RSF Score: 63.00 | [RSF Methodology] |
| {Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to ~120} |
Reporters Without Borders Description:
Media freedom has badly deteriorated since 2009 and the re-election of President Bakiyev with 80% of the vote in a poll criticised by observers of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for numerous problems and irregularities, including ballot-box stuffing, multiple voting and flawed electoral lists. The election campaign involved clashes in which journalists were attacked by supporters of rival candidates. Growing political tension, polarisation and disorders have undermined media freedom.
Journalist Gennady Pavliuk, of the pro-opposition newspaper Bely Parus, died in suspicious circumstances when he fell from the sixth floor of a building in Almaty, capital of neighbouring Kazakhstan, on 16 December 2009, aggravating tensions between President Bakiyev and his opponents. Kyrgyz secret police involvement is suspected but online TV station Stan was shut down by the regime and its equipment seized on 1 April 2010 after mentioning this.
| Committee to Protect Journalists Description: | [What is the Committee to Protect Journalists?] |
Top Developments
• Bakiyev censors news media in a failed attempt to hold power.
• Amid ethnic clashes, Uzbek journalists and outlets targeted for reprisals.
Key Statistic
2: Ethnic Uzbek journalists imprisoned as of December 1.
In a year of political revolt and deadly ethnic turmoil, successive presidential administrations cracked down on the press, using censorship, intimidation, and imprisonment. The ouster of the authoritarian Kurmanbek Bakiyev in April, followed in June by wrenching conflict between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbek residents in the south, cut a deep divide in the nation and put its democratic future at risk. At least two journalists were confined when CPJ conducted its annual census of imprisoned journalists on December 1, illustrating unchanging repression despite changes in leadership.
Visit CPJ’s Site for Recent Developments in this Country
| IFEX News: | [What is IFEX?] |
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