The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned by Kyrgyzstan's deteriorating press freedom and the government's treatment of journalists

Location: Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
Date: August 4, 2023

Aizhan Myrsan was fined and criminally charged for inciting ethnic hatred over an edited video clip of a live report on social media. The journalist denies the charge and claims she is being targeted for her outspoken views. The Coalition For Women In Journalism urges the court to overturn its decision and demands authorities cease targeting critical press.

On August 4, 2023, Bishkek City Court upheld the verdict against blogger Aizhan Myrsan, finding her guilty of publicly inciting racial, ethnic, national, religious, or interregional hostility, both online and offline.

The charges against Myrsan stem from a video excerpt from one of her lives on social media. The one-minute video was edited and posted on social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, alleging that Myrsan called for ethnic hatred. The activist vehemently denies these allegations, stating that the video was manipulated and that her words were taken out of context.

Myrsan, known for her outspoken views on social and political issues, believes the case opened against her is politically motivated, as no complaints were filed against her, and an unknown person spread the video.

The court found her guilty despite her arguments and imposed a hefty fine of 100,000 soms (approximately $1,120).

Unable to pay the fine, Myrsan has turned to fundraising, offering her work as a token of appreciation to those who contribute. She acknowledges the financial burden this places on her supporters but remains determined to fight against the suppression of her voice and the curtailment of freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan.

Myrsan's case is not an isolated incident. An increasing number of journalists, independent media outlets, and activists are facing investigations for their critical views on authorities in the country. 

In August 2023, respected independent news outlet Kloop announced it was facing a lawsuit from the state to shut it down. The lawsuit, filed by the Bishkek City Prosecutor's Office, seems to be a response to Kloop's critical stance in its reporting. In May, Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS) summoned Dilbar Alimova, the editor-in-chief of PolitKlinika, for questioning regarding their reporting on government officials.

While media freedom in Kyrgyzstan has historically been less restricted than in other Central Asian countries, the government has recently tightened its control over independent media. This includes the repressive 2021 Law on Protection from False Information, which allows criminal charges of inciting hatred, disobedience, riots, or violence to be used to suppress freedom of expression and assembly. Journalists and human rights activists have been targeted, preventing them from criticizing public figures and limiting the media's ability to hold those in power to account.

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Kyrgyzstan has fallen to 122nd out of 180 countries regarding media freedom, a significant drop from its 72nd position in 2022.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the legal harassment of journalists and media outlets in Kyrgyzstan. The criminal charge and fining of Aizhan Myrsan are unjust and should be immediately overturned. We urge the court to reverse its decision and call on the authorities to respect freedom of expression and press freedom. The government’s targeting of critical journalists must stop.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.