BISHKEK -- An independent Kyrgyz newspaper today said the leader of a progovernment party came to its offices and damaged some equipment, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Aslanbek Sartbaev, the chief editor of the newspaper "Uchur," told RFE/RL that Nurlan Motuev -- the controversial leader of the Joomart (Generous) movement -- forced his way into the newspaper's offices in Bishkek and smashed four computers.
Motuev confirmed to RFE/RL that he was in the newspaper's offices, but claimed he destroyed only two computers. He said he destroyed the computers because the newspaper has been insulting and libeling him for a long time.
"I do not believe in the local courts, they never make a right and fair decision, and so I decided to stop the lies about me in this way," Motuev said.
He added that one newspaper libeled him in the past but the court needlessly prolonged the hearings and ultimately dropped the case.
Bishkek police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Aslanbek Sartbaev, the chief editor of the newspaper "Uchur," told RFE/RL that Nurlan Motuev -- the controversial leader of the Joomart (Generous) movement -- forced his way into the newspaper's offices in Bishkek and smashed four computers.
Motuev confirmed to RFE/RL that he was in the newspaper's offices, but claimed he destroyed only two computers. He said he destroyed the computers because the newspaper has been insulting and libeling him for a long time.
"I do not believe in the local courts, they never make a right and fair decision, and so I decided to stop the lies about me in this way," Motuev said.
He added that one newspaper libeled him in the past but the court needlessly prolonged the hearings and ultimately dropped the case.
Bishkek police have launched an investigation into the incident.
