‘Media Train’ to promote freedom of speech

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BISHKEK -The Media Representative Institute, with the support of Internews and the OSCE, has started an informational campaign in Kyrgyzstan called "Media Train." It will take place in all regions of the country and will end on December 18 with a conference in Bishkek.

Media Representative Institute Director Ilim Karypbekov said the campaign is directed towards informing society about the role of the mass media, media ethics, and contemporary journalistic standards.

According to the Institute, the overwhelming majority of 96 court cases that involved the organisation's lawyers in 2006 and 2007 were liability lawsuits charging that media undermined a litigant’s honour, dignity or business reputation. One of the tasks of the informational campaign is to decrease the number of such lawsuits by providing information concerning ways to resolve liability charges outside the courtroom.

"As part of the Media Train Project, audiences will be informed about a report that addresses the role and place of the mass media in efforts to democratise societies," added Marat Tokeyev, the Journalists Association board chairman, who is also taking an active part in the campaign.

This is the first time a project of this kind will be conducted in Kyrgyzstan. In the opinion of the organisers, it will also promote freedom of speech in the country.