OSCE Centre trains Kyrgyz journalists on reporting on international terrorism and their role in countering violent extremism
OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 16 October 2015 – A two-day OSCE–supported pilot training course for journalists on the role of media in countering violent extremism that lead to terrorism) and effective reporting on international terrorism ended today in Osh, southern Kyrgyzstan, with participants having examined various methodologies and exploring how to enhance interactions between national security agencies and the media.
Maciej Dachowski, the head of the Politico-military Unit at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek said that this is the second event organized by the Centre at the initiative of the National Security Committee. "I am pleased to see so many participants, which demonstrates the high interest for studying and discussing the media’s role and responsibilities in the fight against terrorism, while upholding the independence and freedom of the media."
Rakhat Sulaimanov of the Kyrgyz State National Security Committee, said: “Poor reporting by journalists can have a negative impact on the security of the country and every citizen. I hope such training courses will help the journalists to more accurately report on these issues.”
Participant Hulkar Isamova, a reporter with Reuters agency in the south of Kyrgyzstan, said: “This course creates a platform for live dialogue among journalists and security structures and thereby allowing us establish the necessary network for the future reports in this field,” said.
The OSCE Centre in Bishkek organized the course in co-operation with the Kyrgyz State of National Security Committee and "Yiman" Development Fund for spiritual culture.
Experts from the State Committee, the director of the independent analytical centre “Religion, law and politics,” a theologian and a prosecutor from Osh region spoke about the violent extremism and terrorism situation in Kyrgyzstan and the use of Internet in spreading ideas promoting intolerance.
The training course is a part of the OSCE Centre’s project on combatting terrorism and arms control.