freedom

As Kyrgyzstan ushered in a new political post-COVID era, two striking narratives have unfurled: the rise of an assault against independent media and civil society and the fervent espousal of ‘traditional values’. This cocktail of socio-political dynamics has led to an unparalleled squeeze on the LGBT+ community and associated activists. Such domestic strife threatens to upend years of Kyrgyzstan’s democratic progress and freedoms, sacrifices many citizens have fiercely fought for. The increasing vilification of LGBT+ individuals, coupled with a polarising categorisation of citizens as ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’, sets the stage for heightened societal fissures and burgeoning conflict potential. It is crucial, now more than ever, for civil society and media to forge a robust solidarity front, rallying behind the banner of collective rights and freedoms. (more…)