The Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security (UKMK) has refused a request by the media website 24.kg to open its offices, which have been sealed shut since the independent news outlet's premises were searched by law enforcement officers in the capital, Bishkek, last week. The UKMK gave no details of its decision, saying only that an investigation into 24.kg continues. Asel Otorbaeva, the director 24.kg, said she made the request because she does not know why access to the offices has been restricted. Otorbaeva, and two editors -- Makhinur Niyazova and Anton Lymar, were questioned over an unspecified 24.kg report about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, click here.
Kyrgyz Security Committee Refuses Request From Media Outlet To Reopen Offices After Search
Kyrgyz security officers remove equipment from the Bishkek offices of the24.kg media outlet on January 15.