Kyrgyzstan: Crackdown on Journalists Sparks Debate Over Press Freedom

Kyrgyzstan: Former Kloop Media Staff Detained Amidst Allegations of Foreign Funding and Misinformation. Bishkek and Osh, Kyrgyzstan – May 28, 2025 witnessed the detention of several former employees of the now-defunct Kloop Media. The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) issued a statement explaining the arrests, citing involvement in a prohibited organization and the publication of content deemed to distort reality and incite public unrest. The GKNB claims that despite a court order dissolving Kloop Media in February 2024, its former staff continued their information activities, allegedly coordinated from abroad, including through the Temirov Live YouTube channel. Furthermore, the GKNB asserts that the operation was funded by foreign organizations, violating Kyrgyz law. On May 28th, searches were conducted at the homes of former Kloop Media employees in Bishkek and Osh, resulting in the seizure of electronic equipment. Legal representatives have voiced concerns about violations of their clients' rights, including the denial of access to lawyers. Adding fuel to the fire, Dairbek Orunbekov, head of information policy for the presidential administration, publicly accused Bolot Temirov of funding the detainees through foreign grants. Temirov vehemently denied these claims, stating he was unfamiliar with some of those arrested. This incident raises concerns about press freedom and the implications of foreign funding in Kyrgyzstan. The situation remains highly sensitive and further developments are expected.