Journalism is under threat in Kyrgyzstan, where multiple independent outlets have been pressured or closed.
In January, 11 current and former employees of our reporting partner, Temirov Live, were arrested and falsely accused of “inciting mass unrest.” (You can read more here: “Uncensored: The Kyrgyzstan Project.”)
Some are still in jail and some are under house arrest, but the implication is clear: they were arrested for their connection to independent reporting.
Stand up for press freedom in Kyrgyzstan — and show your support for the journalists who were wrongfully arrested!
Join us! Please make a short video:
60 seconds or less
Vertical format
Post on all your social media platforms
Use #FreeKyrgyz11 #freepress
You could start with something like:
“I support journalists in Kyrgyzstan… “
“I stand with the reporters jailed in Bishkek…”
“To the journalists jailed in Kyrgyzstan, please know I stand with you…”
“Independent reporting in Kyrgyzstan shouldn’t be a crime.”
Please end with a call to action, encouraging people to post their own messages of support.
“Join us as we remind journalists in Kyrgyzstan that they aren’t alone. Post your own video of support for press freedom in Kyrgyzstan today using #FreeKyrgyz11.”
This attention is not only important for the families of the imprisoned and for the journalists, but also for all newsrooms and media organizations in Kyrgyzstan, where journalists have been working under extreme pressure.
Thank you for your support!