RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service correspondent Kubanychbek Joldoshev was named 2016 Journalist of the Year by the Committee for Protection of Press Freedom in Kyrgyzstan. Joldoshev was recognized for his complex investigative reporting throughout the year.
The commemorative diploma and “balbal” statuette were presented to Joldoshev by politician Elmira Ibraimova at a public reception held on December 23, 2016. The 36-year-old graduate of Osh State University has worked for the local newspaper Osh Shamy (The Torch of Osh) in addition to being a correspondent for RFE/RL’s Radio Azattyk since 2009.
Joldoshev was severely beaten by three unknown assailants on November 2, 2009, in an attack which he said was politically motivated and likely connected with his professional journalism activities. He suffered head injuries and broken bones in the attack.