Since the annulment of the results of the October 4 elections, developments have underlined the importance of adhering to democratic principles, fundamental freedoms and legal certainty in these uncertain times. Adherence is incumbent upon every sector of Kyrgyz society if stable foundations for a constructive and inclusive dialogue are to be laid in preparation for new, free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections in line with international standards.
The Media Dialogue continues to engage democratic actors in a constructive dialogue on the challenges affecting the media sector and to promote quality standards and good practices for media activity and media freedom during the electoral period and beyond.
Amidst recent threats to freedom of speech, Media Dialogue is making steps to boost the safety of independent media outlets and their resilience during continuing instability after the annulled parliamentary election.
Media Dialogue partners keep on protecting journalists’ rights in the courts through legal support. The project will offer safety and risk assessment training to reporters and journalists involved in covering public events involving crowds and gatherings, as well as trainings on digital safety and cyber security, in order to provide interested journalists with technological and behavioural mitigation tools relevant to trolling attacks.
Media Dialogue also continues to strengthen the skills of journalists, editors, and mediators on conflict-sensitive journalism, thereby equipping them with knowledge for conflict analysis and conflict-sensitive approach to journalism and reporting.
Media Dialogue continues to protect health safety of media staff by providing personal protective equipment to limit exposure to COVID-19 infection while conducting their work.
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Article 19, “Kyrgyzstan: Attacks on journalists and access to information following disputed election”
Media Dialogue, “Statement from representatives of the media sector: freedom of speech is in danger”
Media Policy Institute, “Media organizations in Kyrgyzstan are concerned about attacks and threats against journalists and media editors”.
