In his interview with the Kabar agency, President Sadyr Japarov commented on the criticism regarding human rights and freedom of speech in the country. He noted that Kyrgyz citizens have the right to freely express their thoughts, and the level of freedom of speech has remained the same.
– Good afternoon, Sadyr Nurgozhoevich! On January 28, we marked five years since your inauguration as president. In your opinion, how has Kyrgyzstan changed during this period? Your work and that of your team are actively discussed in both local and foreign media, including in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
It is noted that you have managed to solve a number of problems that remained unresolved for many years, as well as launched major international projects and significantly improved relations with partners.
However, some media, while acknowledging your achievements, point out certain shortcomings. In particular, there are opinions that the situation with freedom of speech and human rights in Kyrgyzstan has worsened. How can you comment on these accusations against the country regarding a rollback from democratic principles?
– Hello. I want to say that we have both freedom of speech and democracy. If we compare it to previous periods, the level of freedom of speech may have even increased. Citizens can openly express their views on social media and in the media on any issues, including social and political topics, government decisions, and personal problems. No one restricts them in this.
Some may argue that law enforcement agencies detain people, thereby violating human rights. However, it is important to understand that freedom of speech and democracy imply responsibility.
Detentions occur not for criticism or statements, but in cases where someone, using freedom of speech, attempts to destabilize the situation in the country or calls for a violation of constitutional order. Should we just stand by and watch this?
Deprivation of liberty is a serious step. Law enforcement agencies act only based on a court decision and gather the necessary evidence.
For example, last autumn, there was a case where one of the party representatives was communicating with a foreigner about plans to organize mass riots. We witnessed his request for funding.
When the law is violated, such people try to hide behind the status of journalists or bloggers. We are not against journalism, but we urge not to use freedom of speech as a justification for illegal actions.
Some, citing freedom of speech, incite hostility between regions. When their words divide the people along territorial lines and turn residents of one region against another, is that normal?
Those who want to hold protests can gather in Gorky Park, invite the media, and express their demands there. It is important not to interfere with the work of government institutions. This approach is practiced in many countries.
Many immediately start comparing with democratic countries in Europe and America. But what is really happening there? The U.S. immigration police, for example, shot two citizens under the pretext of disobedience, and Trump sued the BBC for 5 billion dollars.
As for Europe, almost everywhere, demonstrators are dispersed, and activists are detained and kept under control. This is reported by both the media and international research organizations. Although such behavior cannot always be considered negative. I believe that today, the most important thing in the world is the security of the state and its interests.
I am convinced that this aligns with the interests of society, including those citizens who, sometimes succumbing to emotions, claim there is an "absence of freedom of speech" and "absence of democracy".
Thus, as I have already said, there are no restrictions on freedom of speech or human rights in our state. Claims by certain websites that "there is no freedom of speech" or "human rights are being violated" have no basis.
