Media
Access to Fergana.ru should be restored immediately and Internet should remain free in Kyrgyzstan, says OSCE media representative
27.02.2012. Category:Kyrgyzstan
VIENNA, 27 February 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, called today for the block on news site Fergana.ru in Kyrgyzstan to be lifted and urged the authorities to ensure that the Internet remains free in the country.
Kyrgyzstan’s Internet service providers last week started enforcing a parliamentary resolution to block Fergana.ru, an independent online portal specialized in Central Asian political issues. The parliament (Jogorku Kenesh), citing Fergana.ru’s coverage of the June 2010 violence in Kyrgyzstan’s south, last year requested that the government take steps to deny Internet users access to the portal.
“This effective ban, which was decided without even a court sanction, should be lifted immediately. Disrupting the free flow of information on the Internet contravenes OSCE media freedom commitments and constrains debate on issues of public interest,” Mijatović said.
“In a letter I sent on 23 February to Asylbek Jeenbekov, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, I criticized the resolution and pointed out that legislators should not adopt laws or resolutions that aim at restricting freedom of the media, including online, but should ensure that the Internet remains a free forum to exchange information and ideas.”
“It is unfortunate that Kyrgyzstan, which lately took a number of steps toward enhancing media freedom, including decriminalization of defamation, made a decision that goes in the opposite direction,” she added.
Mijatović welcomed the statement of Presidential spokesperson Kadyr Toktogulov, who questioned the blocking of Fergana.ru, and said she hoped Internet users will be soon able to freely access this website again.
OSCE
Kyrgyzstan’s Internet service providers last week started enforcing a parliamentary resolution to block Fergana.ru, an independent online portal specialized in Central Asian political issues. The parliament (Jogorku Kenesh), citing Fergana.ru’s coverage of the June 2010 violence in Kyrgyzstan’s south, last year requested that the government take steps to deny Internet users access to the portal.
“This effective ban, which was decided without even a court sanction, should be lifted immediately. Disrupting the free flow of information on the Internet contravenes OSCE media freedom commitments and constrains debate on issues of public interest,” Mijatović said.
“In a letter I sent on 23 February to Asylbek Jeenbekov, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, I criticized the resolution and pointed out that legislators should not adopt laws or resolutions that aim at restricting freedom of the media, including online, but should ensure that the Internet remains a free forum to exchange information and ideas.”
“It is unfortunate that Kyrgyzstan, which lately took a number of steps toward enhancing media freedom, including decriminalization of defamation, made a decision that goes in the opposite direction,” she added.
Mijatović welcomed the statement of Presidential spokesperson Kadyr Toktogulov, who questioned the blocking of Fergana.ru, and said she hoped Internet users will be soon able to freely access this website again.
OSCE
OSCE media freedom representative commends appointment of supervisory board for Kyrgyzstan's public service broadcaster, urges swift reform
31.08.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, commended today the appointment of a supervisory board for Kyrgyzstan's public service broadcaster and called on the board to move rapidly to provide viewers with fair and impartial news coverage.More ...
Kazakhstan’s regional media is in tatters
18.06.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
“While government-supported media have been earning ever more, the independent outlets’ declining incomes have been putting brakes on their development”, Askar Shomshekov of the Pavlodar-based Regional Journalism Centre said.
Regional media have only themselves to blame for advertising and sales shortfalls, he said.
“Most of them have been doing nothing to adapt their business strategies to the changing market environment”, Shomshekov said. “Therefore, their circulations and, hence, their earnings have been decreasing”.More ...
Regional media have only themselves to blame for advertising and sales shortfalls, he said.
“Most of them have been doing nothing to adapt their business strategies to the changing market environment”, Shomshekov said. “Therefore, their circulations and, hence, their earnings have been decreasing”.More ...
Kyrgyz opposition newspaper seized before prote
16.03.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
REUTERS ----- Police in Kyrgyzstan have seized all copies of an opposition newspaper before a planned anti-government rally in the Central Asian country, the paper's owner said on Tuesday.More ...
Internet censorship: Kyrgyzstan blocks independent web-sites
10.03.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
Today, since the early morning, internet users around Kyrgyzstan have been discussing blocking of a website of Information Agency Ferghana.Ru, popular independent web-site that is critical of Central Asian governments. Kyrgyz internet users say that Fergana.Ru, which was accessible in Kyrgyzstan users until today, has been blocked by most of the internet providers in Kyrgyzstan.More ...
Kazakhstan lifts critical reporting ban
09.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
A Kazakhstan court has overturned a ruling that banned the media from publishing criticism of President Nursultan Nazarbayev's son-in-law.More ...
Journalists under pressure as parliamentary elections approach
08.02.2010. Category:Tajikistan
With parliamentary elections fast approaching, print journalists in Tajikistan are coming under increasing pressure, media watchdogs say.More ...
OSCE media freedom representative criticizes 'misuse' of libel laws to muzzle the press in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Hungary
08.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan | Tajikistan
Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, condemned today as "dangerous attempts at censorship" lawsuits initiated by high-ranking government officials in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Hungary against domestic media outlets for reporting on critical statements made by other public figures.More ...
In the fight of judges versus journalists, both sides face hard choices
03.02.2010. Category:Tajikistan
The first hearing on the lawsuit by three judges against three independent newspapers in Tajikistan was held yesterday (Tuesday, 2 February). It showed that there will be serious battles ahead between the two sides precisely because so much is at stake. Will the government choose power over justice? Will the media choose safety over truth?More ...
OSCE media freedom representative concerned about persecution of journalists in Uzbekistan
02.02.2010. Category:Uzbekistan
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, said today that he was deeply concerned by the continuing harassment of journalists in Uzbekistan.
More ...
More ...Photographer faces jail for 'defaming' life in Uzbekistan
29.01.2010. Category:Uzbekistan
Amnesty International has urged the Uzbekistani government to allow its people freedom of expression after one of the country's most prominent photographers was charged with "defamation of the Uzbekistani people“.
More ...
More ...Uzbek secret services collect the records about independent journalists
15.01.2010. Category:Uzbekistan
The Tashkent Public Prosecutor’s office conducted the series of interrogations of several independent journalists, working in Uzbekistan. On January 7 five of them – Vasiliy Markov, Sid Yanyshev, Abdumalik Boboev, Khusniddin Kutbiddinov and Marina Kozlova (that cooperated with various foreign mass media) were called for "an interview" with Bakhrom Nurmatov, the assistant Public Prosecutor of Tashkent. Vasiliy Markov and Abdumalik Boboev refused to show up without official notice; the rest of journalists met Mr. Nurmatov.
Each of the journalists was presented their own detailed record with articles, bio and other documents. Mr. Nurmatov informed that these documents were delivered from National Security Service (NSS) and Uzbek Foreign Affairs Ministry.More ...
Each of the journalists was presented their own detailed record with articles, bio and other documents. Mr. Nurmatov informed that these documents were delivered from National Security Service (NSS) and Uzbek Foreign Affairs Ministry.More ...
The murder of Gennadyi Pavlyuk reminds the action of Kyrgyz secret services
14.01.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
The arrival of Kyrgyz journalist Gennadiy Pavlyuk in Almaty reminds planned action of secret services, Kazakhstani Vremya newspaper reports.
The edition notes that murderous assault against Pavlyuk, committed in southern capital of Kazakhstan on December 16, 2009, is detected and «the names of criminals are identified». According to the newspaper, the traces lead to «some highly ranked Kyrgyz secret service official, unofficially positioned as manager of Bakiev’s clan on security issues».More ...
The edition notes that murderous assault against Pavlyuk, committed in southern capital of Kazakhstan on December 16, 2009, is detected and «the names of criminals are identified». According to the newspaper, the traces lead to «some highly ranked Kyrgyz secret service official, unofficially positioned as manager of Bakiev’s clan on security issues».More ...
Sting, Valentino and others are visiting Gulnara Karimova
09.10.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
On October 17, 2009 under Art-Week Style.Uz-2009 project in Tashkent the opera house, named after Alisher Navoi, will host concert of legendary Sting. The ticket prices range from 2000000 to 4000000 sums (about $1100-2200). For information, this is one or two annual salaries of the college teachers in Uzbekistan.More ...
Officials forcing entertainers to sing praises to the government
07.10.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
As it struggles to keep a lid on political dissent while also trying to keep the wheels from coming off the economy, the government of Uzbekistan is co-opting the country’s entertainment industry. Local show-biz personalities are being forced to conform to the state’s wishes, and those who don’t get with the program are having the plugs pulled on their careers.More ...
Uzbek Appeals Court Upholds Sentence on Journalist
25.09.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
Human rights activists and media experts have expressed disappointment at an appeals court’s decision to uphold a 12-year sentence handed down to journalist Dilmurod Sayid a month-and-a-half earlier.
The decision was made on September 11, when the Samarkand provincial court reviewed Sayid’s appeal.More ...
The decision was made on September 11, when the Samarkand provincial court reviewed Sayid’s appeal.More ...
Senior OSCE official visits Kazakh rights defender in detention, stresses importance of fair appeals process
21.09.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Following a meeting today with Kazakh human rights defender Yevgeny Zhovtis in the detention centre where he is held outside Almaty, the first deputy director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Douglas Wake, stressed the importance of full respect for fair trial standards in the consideration of Zhovtis' appeal.More ...
New abuse of jailed dissident
28.08.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
Uzbek authorities should promptly investigate new allegations of abuse against a political prisoner, Yusuf Jumaev, and ensure that his family is permitted regular visits, Human Rights Watch said today.More ...
Trial of Kazakh rights activist postponed
27.08.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The trial of the prominent Kazakh human rights activist Yevgeny Zhovtis has begun in the town of Bakanas in Almaty Oblast but lasted just for several minutes before it was postponed due to the absence of the defendant's lawyers, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.More ...
Another Independent Kazakh Newspaper Faces Closure
26.08.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The independent Kazakh weekly "Respublika" is facing closure after a bank announced it was filing charges against it, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports. More ...
EUCAM Policy Brief No. 6
15.06.2009. Category:Central Asia
The EU's approach to the development of mass media in Central Asia, EUCAM Policy Brief No. 6, June 2009
In spite of positive developments in terms of human rights, the rule of law and democratisation in Central Asia following the adoption of the European Union (EU) Strategy for Central Asia in June 2007, the state of the mass media continues to deteriorate in all five countries in the region.
This policy brief identifies tendencies and problems affecting the development of free media outlets in Central Asia and proposes ways and means through which the EU could engage to improve the situation.
Download the Policy Brief
In spite of positive developments in terms of human rights, the rule of law and democratisation in Central Asia following the adoption of the European Union (EU) Strategy for Central Asia in June 2007, the state of the mass media continues to deteriorate in all five countries in the region.
This policy brief identifies tendencies and problems affecting the development of free media outlets in Central Asia and proposes ways and means through which the EU could engage to improve the situation.
Download the Policy Brief
“Internet monitored and controlled, even in democracies”
12.03.2009. Category:Uzbekistan | Turkmenistan
After joint appeal with Amnesty International for an end to online censorship, Reporters Without Borders issues report on “Enemies of the Internet” More ...
Prominent human rights activist Maxim Kushelov is placed to psychiatric facility
05.03.2009. Category:Kyrgyzstan
On March 4, 2009 the prominent Kyrgyz human rights activist Maxim Kushelov was arrested together with the colleague Mihail Kosolapov by the police on the way to White House of Kyrgyzstan, where they were planning to organize another demonstration under “Street Democracy lessons”.More ...
Two more independent journalists behind bars
05.03.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
Two independent Uzbek journalists arrested on trumped-up charges should be released immediately, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.More ...
The journalists request information minister to change the behavior of overreached officials
12.02.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The journalist community of Kazakhstan, human rights activists and public figures of the country directed open letter to the culture and information minister, Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed with the request to take control over the situation with the ejection of the chief editor of TDK 42 TV channel in Uralsk, Lukpan Akhmediarov, the KazTAG reports.More ...
Turkmenistan: Continuing failure to fulfil promises
12.02.2009. Category:Turkmenistan
Politically motivated harassment, detentions and imprisonments continue unabated in Turkmenistan despite the government's promises to uphold human rights, Amnesty International said today, ahead of the government’s second anniversary. More ...
Uzbek authorities deny reports about journalists' arrest
04.02.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
The Uzbek Prosecutor-General's Office has denied reports that five journalists were recently arrested in Uzbekistan.
The Tashkent-based human rights organization Ezgulik reported on January 26 that five journalists working for the magazine "Irmoq" were arrested by police and accused of spreading the ideas of the Turkish Islamic group Nurcular.
Ezgulik's Abdurakhmon Tashanov told RFE/RL's Uzbek Service that the journalists have been monitored by police since September.
The chief editor of "Irmoq," Khamza Jumayev, confirmed that his five journalists have "problems" but did not elaborate.
Source: RFE/RL
The Tashkent-based human rights organization Ezgulik reported on January 26 that five journalists working for the magazine "Irmoq" were arrested by police and accused of spreading the ideas of the Turkish Islamic group Nurcular.
Ezgulik's Abdurakhmon Tashanov told RFE/RL's Uzbek Service that the journalists have been monitored by police since September.
The chief editor of "Irmoq," Khamza Jumayev, confirmed that his five journalists have "problems" but did not elaborate.
Source: RFE/RL
Kazakhstan's media law amendments valuable first step, further reform needed, says OSCE media freedom representative
29.01.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, welcomed today the adoption of a number of amendments to Kazakhstan's media law, and underscored the need for further democratization of media governance. More ...
Students prohibited to approach the US Embassy in Tashkent
23.01.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
Ferghana.Ru sources in Tashkent say that administration of colleges and universities demand written reports from their students on every visit to the US Embassy.
More ...If Obama and Khamenei want to get along, they should start watching TV
15.01.2009. Category:Tajikistan
At five minutes to five yesterday afternoon, Tehran time, Iranian television viewers finally got the channel they have been asking for. It delivered both national and international news in a snappy, professional style. The first item was about Gaza. The channel also reported the results of a specially commissioned opinion poll which suggests that 94% of Iranians believe their country is entitled to develop civil nuclear power but only 50% are comfortable with the idea of the Islamic Republic having nuclear weapons. Then there was an interactive programme called Your Turn, with people from inside and outside the country ringing and texting in to discuss Iranians' perceptions of themselves and the world's view of Iran.More ...
Death threats against journalist continue
14.01.2009. Category:Turkmenistan
Journalist Osman Hallyev continues to receive death threats as pressure on him and his family members continues because of his work for RFE/RL's Turkmen Service.More ...
Authorities intimidate journalist
07.01.2009. Category:Turkmenistan
A correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty working in Turkmenistan has been warned that he will face retribution, if he continues reporting for the broadcaster’s Turkmen service.More ...