In a development raising wide-ranging concerns among international human rights organizations, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament has passed two contentious pieces of legislation that observers argue severely undermine media freedoms and the prevention of torture within the nation. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has been vocal in its criticism, urging President Sadyr Japarov to veto the proposed laws, asserting they contravene Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations and jeopardize public safety.
The first law, passed on June 25, introduces sweeping changes to media regulation by classifying all websites as mass media outlets, requiring mandatory registration for legal dissemination of information. The law grants the Cabinet of Ministers unilateral authority to set registration rules and restricts foreign ownership of media companies to 35 percent. These provisions, according to HRW, significantly increase the risk of media suppression without judicial recourse, enabling authorities to potentially silence critical voices (view source).
Furthermore, the legislative revisions have alarmed journalists, media experts, and legal professionals who had already raised concerns over extensive amendments that amplify state control and pressure on independent media during the bill’s second reading (more details).
The second law proposes the merger of the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture, an independent human rights institution, with the ombudsman’s office. This center was initially established following Kyrgyzstan’s ratification of the anti-torture convention. Human rights activists assert this merger could compromise the body’s efficacy and weaken safeguards against torture. Concerns echo from prior criticisms voiced by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights when a similar move was considered in the past (see previous concerns).
These legislative measures are part of a broader trend of declining media freedoms and increased governmental control in Kyrgyzstan, which has seen the introduction of laws enabling authorities to demand the removal of undesired media content and imposing stringent requirements on non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Such trends have been accompanied by reported crackdowns on government critics and the detainment of independent journalists without formal charges, creating a chilling effect on press freedom (read more).
With these developments, HRW and other rights groups continue to emphasize the importance of citizen protection and the preservation of fundamental freedoms, urging international vigilance and dialogue in response to Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing legal changes.
For further information, view the detailed report on JURIST.