Deputy Tazabek Ikramov comments on searches at 24.kg and journalists’ homes
Deputy of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan Tazabek Ikramov commented on Facebook on yesterday’s search in the office of 24.kg news agency, as well as the detention of Temirov Live journalists and searches in their homes.
«Earlier, law enforcement agencies summoned 24.kg employees for questioning, and interrogation and searches early this morning of about ten houses of journalists under the pretext of «organizing mass riots» will have a negative impact on freedom of speech and democratic processes in the country. This step creates mistrust in interaction with international partners. I believe that law enforcement agencies will conduct this case within the law,» he posted.
Employees of the State Committee for National Security came to the office of 24.kg news agency on January 16 at about 11 a.m. General Director Asel Otorbaeva, Editors-in-Chief Anton Lymar and Makhinur Niyazova were taken for interrogation.
Equipment and personal mobile phones of employees were confiscated.
The SCNS said that the search at 24.kg news agency was conducted as part of a criminal case under the article «Propaganda of War» of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Homes of former and current Temirov Live employees have been searched today. It is reported that members of Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese team Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy (wife of Bolot Temirov), Azamat Ishenbekov and Sapar Akunbekov were detained. Journalists from PolitKlinika Tynystan Asypbek and Archa Media Saipidin Sultanaliev were also arrested.
Detention of Zoodar Buzumov and Aike Beyshekeeva was also reported later.
According to investigative journalist Bolot Temirov, the Ministry of Internal Affairs opened a case against Temirov Live employees under Article 278, Part 3 (Calls for active disobedience to the legal demands of government officials and for mass riots, as well as calls for violence against citizens) of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Earlier, Bolot Temirov wrote: «ElTR» accused me and Kanyshai of complicity in preparing a coup. This is a serious accusation."
