[Today's Prayer] Kyrgyzstan Security Authorities Arrest 8 Journalists for Spreading Fake News

Reuters and other sources reported on the 29th (local time) that security authorities in Central Asia's Kyrgyzstan arrested eight current and former journalists from an online media outlet on charges of spreading fake news and inciting social unrest.

According to reports, the security authorities raided the homes of five journalists from the outlet Klook in the capital, Bishkek, and the second-largest city, Osh, seizing electronic devices and arresting them. The next day, they apprehended three more individuals, according to the lawyers representing the eight.

(Omitted)

Klook, which started as an independent media outlet in 2007, is said to have made a name for itself by reporting on corruption cases.

Although the outlet was shut down by court order in February last year for allegedly publishing reports that undermined trust in the government, it continued its journalistic activities.

Klook co-founder Rinat Tukhbacin denounced the authorities' claims as fabricated.

Sinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch, told Reuters that the incident was an example of the Kyrgyz authorities’ ongoing crackdown on the press.

Amnesty International, another human rights group, said the arrests were “intended to intimidate critics” and called for the immediate release of those arrested.

In January last year, 11 journalists from another media outlet were arrested by authorities for similar reasons, and two of them were sentenced to prison.

Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic, had previously been considered more press-friendly compared to other Central Asian nations.

However, Reuters reported that since President Sadyr Japarov took office in 2021, a law was enacted as part of a crackdown on opposition forces, prohibiting media or individuals from undermining trust in the government.

Source: Yonhap News

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2:10)

Lord, we hear the news that eight journalists have been arrested in Kyrgyzstan on charges of “spreading fake news.” Although the details of the allegations have not yet been disclosed, You, Lord, know the whole truth and all the background.

Lord, the One to whom we owe our loyalty is Jesus Christ, our King. May these journalists be those who remain loyal not to human praise, but to truth. Let there be journalists who do not yield to the pressure of worldly power, but boldly speak truth according to the Word of the Holy Spirit. Lord, uphold the land of Kyrgyzstan with Your hand, so that freedom of expression and truth may not be distorted.

As we approach the end times, where truth is hated and lies become truth, keep the Church awake. Lord, You said, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” May the Church in Kyrgyzstan and around the world not turn away from this situation, but discern Your will for truth, praying for the nation and its people.

Let the Church arise, not following fear or political convenience, but discerning truth only by the Word of God and proclaiming only truth.

Through this, may the people of Kyrgyzstan stand firmly on the Word of the Lord, becoming a nation that upholds and proclaims truth in the final days. May they rise as Your people who long for the crown of life and remain faithful unto death.