OSCE Centre supports work of Kyrgyz media complaints committee

BISHKEK, 24 December 2008 - Out-of-court settlements of media-related conflicts were discussed by a Media Complaints Committee in Bishkek today. The roundtable meeting was supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The Media Complaints Committee was set up in 2007 as a self-regulation body. It reviews and offers expert judgment on media cases, and consists of nine members, including journalists, editors, lawyers and NGO representatives.

"The Committee was created to deal with the poor quality of journalism and to support freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan. It provides an opportunity for people and journalists to avoid costly and long court cases," said Alexander Kulinsky, the Commission's Chairman.

"In addition to ensuring freedom of speech and responsible journalism in Kyrgyzstan, the Committee was designed as a tool to resolve conflicts without judicial involvement," said Lilian Darii, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre.

As part of its wide-ranging activities, the OSCE Centre supports freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan and helps develop quality journalism.