Ban’s first tour of Central Asia has highlighted human rights issues in the vast Muslim region run by authoritarian leaders and emboldened local rights defenders to speak up.
About 40 protesters, some shouting “help us” and “freedom”, rallied outside parliament in the capital Bishkek as Ban’s motorcade sped past. Police then pushed them back, tearing down banners and knocking a number of protesters off their feet.
Addressing reporters and later members of parliament in the former Soviet republic, Ban said protecting human rights was a bedrock principle for the United Nations.
“Quite frankly, recent events have been troubling, including the last few days,” he said. “I repeat: all human rights must be protected, including free speech and freedom of the media.”
Two prominent journalists were killed late last year and several media websites and radio stations have not been accessible in Kyrgyzstan since early March.
