JOURNALISTS IN KYRGYZSTAN: DETAILS OF RECENT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BISHKEK 000753

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SCA/CEN
OSCE FOR KAUFMAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KG
SUBJECT: JOURNALISTS IN KYRGYZSTAN: DETAILS OF RECENT
ATTACKS

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1. (SBU) Summary: Since March, several local journalists
have been physically attacked. This cable outlines available
information about these recent attacks. At least two cases
may be linked to the journalists' reporting. Local media and
authorities are actively covering the case of Almaz Tashiyev,
who died following an assault by one or more policemen in
southern Kyrgyzstan. Embassy has raised the issue of attacks
on journalists with Kyrgyz authorities, but cautions that not
all attacks can be linked to the journalists' work. End
Summary.

Syrgak Abdyldayev
--------------


2. (U) On March 3, unknown assailants attacked Syrgak
Abdyldayev, a reporter for the "Reporter-Bishkek" newspaper,
outside his Bishkek office. Abdyldayev suffered numerous
stab wounds and broken bones, and was subsequently
hospitalized for several weeks. His writing covered a wide
range of political and criminal issues, with varying degrees
of accuracy. Although the culprits have not been caught,
there is speculation that his attack was related to his
reporting.

Bahadir Kenjebayev
--------------


3. (U) On March 7, several individuals severely beat up
Bahadir Kenjebayev, a cameraman for Osh TV. Kyrgyz
authorities captured a suspect, who they indicated had
attempted to mug Kenjebayev.

Yelena Agheyeva and Ulugbek Babakulov
--------------


4. (U) On March 26, at around midnight, Yelena Agheyeva and
Ulugbek Babakulov, two journalists for the local edition of
"Moskovskiy Komsomolets" were assaulted near Agheyeva's
residence in Bishkek. The attackers took money and cell
phones from their victims. Agheyeva told investigators that
the attack was not related to her professional work, and
blamed a ring of criminals who were later apprehended.

Yrysbek Omurzakov
--------------


5. (SBU) On May 7, two policemen assaulted Yrysbek
Omurzakov, editor-in-chief of the "Tribuna" newspaper, in
what has been described as an incident of road rage in
Bishkek. While initial speculation pinned the attack on his
investigative work, Omurzakov later told the Embassy he did
not believe the attack was related to his writing. One of
the policemen involved has been reportedly fired for his
conduct.

Abduvahab Moniev
--------------


6. (U) On June 6, assailants attacked Abduvahab Moniev, a
journalist for "Achik Sayosat," in Bishkek. The motive for
the attack is unclear; however, Moniev was known for his
critical writing. Police have not identified any suspects in
his attack.

Almaz Tashiyev
--------------


7. (SBU) On July 4, one or more police officers assaulted
Almaz Tashiyev, a freelance journalist, in Nookat, which is
southwest of Osh. While the exact location of the assault is
not clear (some reports indicate it took place while Tashiyev

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was at a police station),Tashiyev later was admitted to
hospital and died July 12, apparently from injuries sustained
in the beating. Although western media reported that
Tashiyev was a "government critic," a local journalist told
Embassy that Tashiyev "was not critical of the government,
and wrote mostly on social issues." Authorities have
launched an investigation, and one policeman has reportedly
admitted to his role in the beating.

Comment
--------------


8. (SBU) All of these incidents are troubling, and some may
have links to the journalistic activities of their victims --
however, we must be careful not to state that all of these
attacks are related to their work. The Embassy will continue
to encourage Kyrgyz authorities to investigate and prosecute
these cases, as well as protect the rights of Kyrgyz
journalists to work without fear and intimidation.
LITZENBERGER