For the 49th Session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, April – May 2025
This joint submission by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Freedom for Eurasia (FFE), and the Free Russia Foundation to the Universal Periodic Review Working Group focuses on Kyrgyzstan’s compliance with international human rights obligations related to freedom of expression and press freedom. The submission highlights concerns regarding state control over media, violence and intimidation against journalists, arbitrary detention and imprisonment, denial of fair trials, and blocked access to online content. The authors also point out Kyrgyzstan’s failure to meaningfully implement previous UPR recommendations on these issues and offer specific recommendations for improvement.
The submission details a range of serious problems impacting freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan. These include constitutional amendments and legislation designed to increase state control over media outlets, resulting in censorship and self-censorship. Journalists face significant threats, including physical attacks, harassment, and intimidation, often in retaliation for critical reporting. Arbitrary detention and imprisonment of journalists are frequent, coupled with unfair trials and lack of due process. The government employs vague charges, like “inciting mass riots” or spreading “false information,” to silence dissent. Finally, the authorities frequently block access to online content, including websites of critical news organizations. These actions cumulatively create a climate of fear and repression that severely restricts the ability of journalists to operate freely and report without fear of reprisal.
