BISHKEK. The editor of a Kyrgyz opposition newspaper says the Government officials are behind a series of lawsuits designed to close down the paper.
Alexander Kim, editor of "Moya Stolitsa," has said that 13 lawsuits filed against the newspaper last month were directed by the top officials. The plaintiffs include the prime minister, the interior minister, other top government officials, lawmakers and prominent businessmen. The suits seek large sums of money, ranging from 1,000 dollars to 65,000 dollars. Most of the suits involve claims of libel against specific person or company.
Today the Karabalta spirit factory won a case against the newspaper. The Lenin district court of the capital city fined the newspaper for 50,000 soms (more than 1,000 US$) which is to be paid to the factory. The author of a critical article on the factory, Lyudmila Zholmukhamedova, is to pay 10,000 soms (about 209 US$) to the plaintiff. "Moya Stolitsa" has reported extensively on alleged corruption in Bishkek government.
Alexander Kim, editor of "Moya Stolitsa," has said that 13 lawsuits filed against the newspaper last month were directed by the top officials. The plaintiffs include the prime minister, the interior minister, other top government officials, lawmakers and prominent businessmen. The suits seek large sums of money, ranging from 1,000 dollars to 65,000 dollars. Most of the suits involve claims of libel against specific person or company.
Today the Karabalta spirit factory won a case against the newspaper. The Lenin district court of the capital city fined the newspaper for 50,000 soms (more than 1,000 US$) which is to be paid to the factory. The author of a critical article on the factory, Lyudmila Zholmukhamedova, is to pay 10,000 soms (about 209 US$) to the plaintiff. "Moya Stolitsa" has reported extensively on alleged corruption in Bishkek government.