Bishkek, 27 March 1997 (RFE/RL) - The trial against an independent Kyrgyz daily charged with insulting government officials will resume in early April.
Our correspondent in Bishkek reports today that the trial against the Kriminal daily will start again on April 9.
Though it did not name officials directly but used pseudonyms, the paper was accused of slurring several government officials. A district court ordered the paper closed on March 12. A day later, the editorial board appealed the decision and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists sent a letter to Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev to intercede and overturn the verdict.
Our correspondent in Bishkek reports today that the trial against the Kriminal daily will start again on April 9.
Though it did not name officials directly but used pseudonyms, the paper was accused of slurring several government officials. A district court ordered the paper closed on March 12. A day later, the editorial board appealed the decision and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists sent a letter to Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev to intercede and overturn the verdict.