(Adil Soz/IFEX) – On 7 and 8 November 2006, a number of journalists and media workers were injured while covering clashes between opposition protesters and authorities in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, in the wake of a six-day anti-presidential protest organized by political party “For Reforms.” The protesters were demanding the resignation of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. […]
(Adil Soz/IFEX) – On 7 and 8 November 2006, a number of journalists and media workers were injured while covering clashes between opposition protesters and authorities in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, in the wake of a six-day anti-presidential protest organized by political party “For Reforms.” The protesters were demanding the resignation of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
The general director of the state broadcasting company, Beishenbek Bekeshev, was beaten by protesters on 5 November, when 2,000-2,500 people gathered outside the company’s headquarters to demand live television coverage of the demonstration. Bekeshev was assaulted by unidentified individuals as he was emerging from the building to address the protesters. The police have begun an investigation into the incident, AKI press reported.
Nargiza Yuldasheva, a journalist for the news agency 24kg, was assaulted by protesters in another demonstration, staged by a group of pro-presidential activists. At the time of the incident, Yuldasheva was among a number of journalists who were approaching the building of the Zhogorku Kenesh (the lower chamber of Parliament). The protesters began throwing empty beer bottles at them. Fearing for their safety, the journalists requested police protection, but police ignored their request, saying they were prohibited “from interfering.”
Another reporter with AKI Press news agency was assaulted during the demonstration by an unidentified man in uniform, who tried to seize his camera.
Turat Bektenov, the chief editor of Piramida television and radio, was assaulted by a group of five men as he made his way home on 7 November. Bektenov said one of them, pointing at him, began shouting: “This one should be killed.” As a result of the attack, the editor sustained injuries and bruises. Piramida television is an opposition channel which has been covering the demonstrations since they began.
