Traditional values have become a "tool" for manipulation
At the center of the media conflict is the KOLFEST festival, scheduled for the end of July in the Ton district. Deputy Bolot Saginayev initiated a ban on the event, citing alleged "immoral behavior" of the participants. However, a check conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not confirm his accusations, including rumors about the promotion of LGBT and drug use.
The organizers of KOLFEST link the deputy's actions to the interests of competing festivals taking place at Issyk-Kul and view this as an attempt to undermine the country's tourist image.
The festival team is open to dialogue with the local population and emphasizes its respect for Kyrgyz traditions.
This incident has highlighted the problem of using "traditional values" in the competitive struggle for the region's tourist market.
Photo www
