According to activists, recent events in the country demonstrate signs of improvement in the socio-political situation, creating conditions for more open and constructive communication between the state, citizens, and independent media.
“The return of the case of journalist Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, head of the Temirov LIVE project, to the first instance court by the Supreme Court, as well as the release of akyn Askat Zhetigen uulu from the punitive isolation facility, are perceived by many as positive signs of possible changes in the approaches to state interaction with civil society,” the representatives of the media platform noted.
The statement also emphasizes the importance of using the current situation to initiate a broader and more systematic discussion on the role of independent media and civil society in the country's development.
The appeal highlights that free and professional media do not pose a threat to the state.
“On the contrary, independent journalism plays a critically important role in public oversight, helping to identify abuses of power, corruption risks, and management errors. In many countries, an open media environment helps prevent systemic problems and strengthens trust in state institutions,” they added.
The experience of recent years has shown that excessive restrictions on the space for independent media and public discussions can weaken the mechanisms of societal control. In such conditions, the risk of abuses by law enforcement and other state structures increases. Therefore, strong independent media become an important element of the resilience and stability of the state,” the appeal emphasizes.
Kyrgyzstan has long been considered a country with an open society and media environment in Central Asia. Maintaining and strengthening this reputation is important not only for internal stability and citizens' trust in the authorities but also for the international image of the republic, its investment attractiveness, and partnership relations.
In this regard, the Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan calls for the development of an open institutional dialogue between government bodies, the media community, and the civil sector.
“We propose to consider the possibility of:
— resuming regular press conferences with the participation of the head of state;
— systematic meetings of the country's leadership with representatives of independent media and civil society;
— creating a permanent platform for professional dialogue between government institutions, media representatives, and experts.
This format of interaction will allow for timely communication of real public sentiments, regional issues, and signals about possible abuses to the country's leadership, as well as provide the state with the opportunity to directly clarify its position and receive feedback.
We are confident that the joint work of the state, independent media, and civil society can strengthen citizens' trust in government institutions, enhance the country's resilience, and ensure genuine unity among the people. The Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan is ready for open and constructive dialogue,” the representatives of the platform concluded.
