Updated on 23.01.2024

The European Union Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden express their concern about the extensive searches and confiscation of private property of independent media offices and the detention of journalists in Kyrgyzstan. 

Expressing different opinions and engaging in independent journalistic activities are main characteristics of exercising universal human rights and freedom of expression.

The European Union Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden call on the Kyrgyz authorities to uphold their international human rights obligations and commitments and to protect freedom of expression and the integrity of journalists and media outlets, in order to allow them to carry out their professional activities. At the same time, it should be ensured that investigations are conducted in line with legal provisions, and in particular that lawyers are present.