At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, the deputies expressed dissatisfaction with the speech of their colleague Erulan Kokulov.
During his ten-minute speech, Kokulov discussed the work of journalists, urging them to adhere to professional ethics and the law. He noted that after his previous speech, he faced informational pressure, especially in the coverage of news related to his personality.
Kokulov also mentioned the existence of a journalistic "mafia" in Kyrgyzstan.
According to the deputy, a journalist should be objective and professionally cover events.
“In practice, however, we see that journalists present information in a biased and unreliable manner, especially when it comes to me. I have repeatedly raised this issue, and in response, I have faced an attack from the journalistic mafia that ignores ethical norms. Some of them, like Ilim myrza, openly write about their role as gossipers, yet others still share his posts. The law should be the same for everyone, but for journalists, it seems to hold no power,” emphasized Erulan Kokulov.
He also pointed out that information about other deputies is presented without distortion, while his personal data is deliberately distorted.
“Of course, there are also conscientious journalists, and I apologize to them. But to those who break the law, I want to say: I know that you are being paid to defame deputies. If this does not stop, I will name all those involved. I am aware of who is getting cash and for what,” he added.
Kokulov also indicated that his words are often misrepresented.
“When I talk about the problems of pharmacies in Tone, I am accused of lacking a medical education. I speak about issues with the president, and I am accused of complaining. The incident with UPSM was also distorted to portray me in a negative light,” he noted.
In response, Speaker Marlen Mamataliyev reminded that at the meeting of faction leaders, it was decided that all ten-minute speeches should be agreed upon in advance. He urged deputies to raise important and relevant issues from the podium.
Deputy Akylbek Tumonbaev expressed that significant issues should be discussed in such forums, and personal grievances are better left for social media.
“These are his personal problems, but he spoke here for 15 minutes, taking time away from other deputies. If he has questions, he should voice them on his page. He was elected from the Jeti-Oguz, Ton districts, and Karakol, where there are many pressing issues, but he does not raise them. Speaker, your task is to ensure that the issues raised at the podium are meaningful,” he said.
Tumonbaev added that such incidents are not the first time and suggested that Kokulov address them outside of this meeting.
Deputy Elvira Surabaldiyeva responded that in the previous convocation, she was not given the floor when she raised personal issues.
“In this convocation, perhaps you have special relationships, but I also have many reasons to make statements on personal issues. However, I believe that such topics should be discussed in other formats. At this podium, we should talk about the problems that concern the people,” she said.
Speaker Mamataliyev again emphasized that only important societal issues should be raised at the meetings of the Jogorku Kenesh.
He noted that the right to request ten-minute speeches should only be granted to group leaders or their deputies and called for topics to be agreed upon in advance. “Please, esteemed leaders, clarify what topic the deputy plans to raise,” added the speaker.
Although Kokulov is currently not a member of any group, he has the right to speak according to the regulations. “He requested the floor, and you supported him. But in the future, it is necessary to establish order,” said Mamataliyev.
The speaker also suggested considering the possibility of preliminary agreement on speech topics, as is practiced in the parliaments of other countries.
After that, Kokulov spoke again, urging his colleagues not to distort his words.
“A deputy not only develops laws but also monitors their implementation. You say that I am defending myself, but in reality, I am talking about violations of the law and calling for adherence to legality,” he stated.
“Akylbek myrza, I am aware of how I came to parliament and know why you are offended. I know the details of the electoral process. I know how each of you came to this,” added Kokulov.
The record "Deputies criticized their colleague Kokulov. He complained about the 'journalistic mafia'" first appeared on the K-News website.
