Geneva, The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concern over recent actions taken against independent media in Kyrgyzstan, where authorities searched media outlets and detained journalists earlier this week.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, spokesperson Liz Throssell highlighted incidents on January 15 and 16, where officers from the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) raided the offices of news agency 24.kg in Bishkek, detaining three journalists, including the editor-in-chief. The following day, the Ministry of Interior conducted searches at several other independent media organizations, detaining 11 journalists and media workers for questioning.

Throssell noted that these actions seem to be part of a broader pattern of pressure against civil society activists, journalists, and critics of the Kyrgyz authorities. She emphasized that arrest or detention as punishment for the legitimate exercise of human rights, including freedom of expression, is considered arbitrary under international human rights law.

The situation is further complicated by the Kyrgyz Parliament’s consideration of a draft law on mass media, which the UN Human Rights Office fears could restrict the right to freedom of expression, including media freedom. In light of these developments, the UN body called on Kyrgyz authorities to protect freedom of expression and ensure that media legislation in the country aligns with international human rights standards.