IPI and its global network welcome the Bishkek City Court’s decision to annul an April shut down order for Radio Azattyk, the Kyrgyz service of the U.S. Congress-funded broadcaster RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. The ruling clears the way for the broadcaster to return online after being blocked since October of last year. IPI had previously condemned the decision to block Radio Azattyk and had repeatedly called on Kyrgyzstan to overturn the ban.
“As a result of concerted advocacy and support from the international community, Radio Azattyk will continue to reach its audiences with trusted reporting,” acting RFE/RL President Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin said in a statement.
The decision to reverse the April ruling was announced on July 12 at an appeal hearing at the Bishkek City Court, during which an agreement between Radio Azattyk and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Culture was finalized, effectively settling the case. It also comes as the European Parliament was set to debate a resolution on the crackdown on the media and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan.
“IPI welcomes the Bishkek City Court’s decision reversing the ban on Radio Azattyk. This decision is good news for press freedom and for the Kyrgyz public’s right to information”, IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said.
Source : IPI