![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/large_610x456_scaled/photos/278267.jpg)
A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and "Azattyk," RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as "Take Your Hands Off the Truth," "You Can't Close Every Single Mouth," and "Freedom to Azattyk."
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: "Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability."
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/large_610x456_scaled/photos/278268.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/large_610x456_scaled/photos/278269.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/large_610x456_scaled/photos/278270.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/large_610x456_scaled/photos/278271.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/preview_60x60_cropped/photos/278267.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/preview_60x60_cropped/photos/278268.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/preview_60x60_cropped/photos/278269.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/preview_60x60_cropped/photos/278270.jpg)
![A group of about 250 people gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country. Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan. 15/03/2010.
Story and photos by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Around 250 people with prominent opposition politicians, lawmakers and rights activists among them -- gathered Monday, March 15th outside the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) office in Bishkek to ask for help to protect freedom of speech in the country.
Protesters said the government has closed down the last avenues of freedom of speech last week after blocking access to several websites, including centrasia.ru, ferghana.ru and 'Azattyk,' RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service website as well as taking off the air Azattyk's television broadcast.
Demonstrators carried slogans such as 'Take Your Hands Off the Truth,' 'You Can't Close Every Single Mouth,' and 'Freedom to Azattyk.'
Oppostion lawmakers Roza Otunbaeva and Irina Karamushkina, Ak Shumkar opposition party leader Temur Sariev and the head of Ata Meken socialist party Omurbek Tekebaev were among prominent political figures who joined the demonstration.
Otunbaeva told RFE/RL: 'Journalists have been killed, [independent] media outlets have been closed. We consider that the [Kyrgyz] government is harming stability.'
The OSCE office in Bishkek told the demonstrators their message will be conveyed to the organization's Representative on Freedom of the Media that monitors violations of freedom of expression in its member states and promotes full compliance with democratic principles of freedom of press and expression.
Access to the popular news websites has been blocked since March 10. Kyrgyz rights activists last week condemned the development as authorities' coordinated attack on freedom of speech.
Since March 1, RFE/RL's affiliate partners, Radio OK, Radio Most, Radio Royal, and Radio Almaz-Naryn, have not been re-broadcasting the radio programs of RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.
Also, the private television company Manas Janyrygy (Echo of Manas) stopped broadcasting RFE/RL's television shows in Kyrgyz.
The affiliates told RFE/RL that they had to stop broadcasting RFE/RL's Kyrgyz programs due to pressure from the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov told RFE/RL at his press conference in Bishkek today that he was not aware of the situation. He promised RFE/RL's correspondent to help solve the issue, adding that RFE/RL's leadership has to send him an official letter regarding the situation.
Demonstrators went beyond attacks of media freedom today, calling on the government to be accountable over the nation's income, including gold revenues, Kyrgyzstan's key export asset.
Today's protest demonstration comes two days ahead of planned nationwide anti-government rallies by opposition supporters on March 17.
President Kurmanbek Bakiev, who swept to power amid popular protests in 2005, has come under extensive criticism by his opponents for failing to bring reforms and for widespread corruption and nepotism.
Bakiev's popularity suffered yet another severe blow after he appointed his son, Maksim to a top official post overseeing the country's economic affairs last November.
Several thousand people last week demonstrated in the central city of Naryn to demand Maksim Bakiev leave the country.](http://www.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/preview_60x60_cropped/photos/278271.jpg)
