Central Asia proving chilly climate for press freedom

Analysis

By Gene Mater
freedomforum.org

03.21.01

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In several of the now-independent nations that were republics of the Soviet Union, the concept of a free press is almost as remote as it was during the "bad old days."

Independent and opposition news media in Kyrgyzstan have been under attack, with two publications recently closed or suspended: the opposition twice-weekly newspaper Asaba and the independent weekly Res Publica.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, in a recent letter to the president of Kyrgyzstan, said that "the Kyrgyz government, along with companies and individuals reportedly close to it, are using tax laws and other legal tools at their disposal in an effort to silence popular publications" that have criticized the regime.

CPJ noted in its letter that a court ordered a publishing house "to cease printing Res Publica until it had paid off two overdue libel fines," amounting to "damages of 70,000 soms (about $1,500 U.S.) to Amanbek Karypkulov, president of the National Radio and Television Corp., and local politician Sadyrbek Botaliev for allegedly violating their 'honor and dignity.' "

Asaba has suspended publication because of $42,000 (U.S.) owed in allegedly overdue taxes.

According to a story in Russia Today, Kyrgyzstan Secretary of State Osmonakun Ibraimov denied that the numerous libel suits that have brought several publications to the verge of ruin were politically motivated. It is normal, he contended, for individuals to "defend their dignity in court."

Meanwhile, at a roundtable discussion about press freedom in Kazakhstan, journalists expressed their serious concerns, according to the Times of Central Asia.

The journalists met with government officials, academics and representatives of a number of civic organizations. The discussion focused on what participants called illegal searches by the tax police of radio and television stations and the editorial office of the newspaper Argumenty i facty.

Concern also was expressed about proposed increases of up to 40% in taxes on broadcast stations, which will cut deeply into their operating funds.

The Internet was discussed as a possible solution to such ongoing problems of government interference with news media. The result was a proposal to establish a "League of Kazakhstan Internet" and to hold its first organizational meeting.

In another recent report carried by Russia Today, it was noted that independent newspapers in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are in danger of failing.

Although "governments in both countries seek to avoid open conflict with independent media, relying instead on their judicial systems to silence critics," the newspaper reported, it also pointed out that "Central Asia is not a comfortable place for critics of the government, especially those working in the media," with leaders of four of the five Central Asian nations labeled "enemies of the press" by CPJ.

Independent news media still exist in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, which is why the two are seen by international press freedom and human rights organizations as "more free" than the other three — Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

However, according to the report, "there have been signs that tolerance of independent media in both countries may be coming to an end."

The recent U.S. State Department human rights report had this to say about the press in Kazakhstan:

"The Constitution and a 1999 press and media law provide for freedom of speech and of the press; however, the government restricted these freedoms in practice. The government harassed independent and opposition media, and as a consequence many journalists practiced self-censorship."

As for Kyrgyzstan, the report notes that "the law provides for freedom of speech and of the press; however, the government restricted these rights."

The State Department also cites "prohibited material" barred to the news media, such as "government and commercial secrets; material advocating war, violence, or intolerance toward ethnic or religious groups; desecration of national norms, ethics and symbols such as the national seal, flag, or anthem; pornography; and encroachment on the honor and dignity of a person." And it notes that libel law in Kyrgyzstan is a criminal rather than a civil matter.

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