Kyrgyz Ministry of Health demands $7000 from the newspaper “Open Politics Plus”

Two hearings have already taken place in the Pervomaisky court of the capital on the lawsuit filed by the head of the Department of medicinal supply and medical equipment under the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, Gulmira Shakirova, to the newspaper “Open Politics Plus”. This was reported by the Public Association “Journalists”.

Recall, an official from the Ministry of Health demands from the newspaper of $7160 (500 000 KGS) as compensation for moral damage. The reason for the lawsuit was a journalistic investigation, which spoke about the overcharge prices and smuggled medicines.

Journalists asked the court to do a linguistic examination to clarify the matter. The judge agreed with the proposal of journalists. On October 7, an expert from the Judicial expertise service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic was heard in court. Contrary to the expectations of media representatives, the state examination was mixed.

“At some points, it was in favor of journalists, and at some points – in favor of the plaintiff. And concerning some other points, according to the expert, additional verification is needed,” the lawyer of the publishing office (media representative of Akmat Alagushev) commented on the expert’s opinion.

The trial is ongoing. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 22.