OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports regional conference to educate judges on media freedom

BISHKEK, 10 October 2007 - A conference for judges to learn about and discuss the role of free media in democratic societies was held today in Bishkek with the support of the OSCE Centre.

"Clear understanding of the role of the judiciary system and judges in media-related cases is essential in ensuring development of free media, as well as an open society," said Ambassador Markus Muller, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. "Courtrooms are the frontlines in the struggle to protect the media."

The conference brought together judges of local, regional and national courts, lawyers and media experts from Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine, as well as media representatives from neighboring Central Asian countries.

"This conference is one of the ways for judges, the mass media, journalists, and consumers to find a common approach for mutual understanding and constructive cooperation," said Kalima Aknazarova, Deputy Chair of the Kyrgyz Supreme Court, in her opening speech.

The conference is the conclusion of an OSCE Centre-supported project for judges dealing with media-related cases, especially issues pertaining to libel and 'honor and dignity' cases against media in Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz Media Commissioner Institute implemented the project.