OSCE media freedom representative urges swift and transparent investigation into stabbing attack on Kyrgyz journalist

VIENNA, 6 March 2009 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, urged Kyrgyz authorities today to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the stabbing of political reporter Syrgak Abdyldayev.

"I welcome the fact that the investigation into the attack has already been launched. I hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice as soon as possible," said Haraszti in a letter to Kyrgyz foreign minister Kadyrbek Sarbaev.

On 3 March, Abdyldayev was stabbed and beaten by four unidentified men near the office of the Reporter-Bishkek newspaper. The journalist is still in hospital in intensive care.

"The authorities should do their utmost to stop violence against media professionals immediately, so it does not become a trend," Haraszti said.

The murder of Kyrgyz journalist Alisher Saipov, who was fatally shot in October 2007 in the southern city of Osh, has still not been solved.

"Impunity of violence against journalists encourages self-censorship and undermines a basic institution of democracy - the free press," said Haraszti, adding that his office would continue to monitor the Abdyldayev case.