Kyrgyzstan improves its position on freedom of speech

Bishkek, Apr. 19, 2019. / Kabar /. Reporters Without Borders published an annual rating of freedom of speech in the countries of the world.
Kyrgyzstan ranked 83 out of 180. Researchers note that the country has improved its position on freedom of speech, but could do even better.
The study said that pluralism of the Kyrgyz media is exceptional in Central Asia, but the polarisation of Kyrgyz society is reflected in the media and in the environment journalists work in.
"There is still a great deal of self-censorship on certain subjects, such as inter-ethnic relations. Although much hate speech has gone unpunished, some social network users have been the targets of ill-advised judicial proceedings on the grounds of combatting "extremism"," the report said.
Kazakhstan ranked 158th, Russia – 149th, Uzbekistan – 160th, Tajikistan – 161th, China – 177th.