Freedom for Eurasia expresses deep concern over the recent amendments to Kyrgyzstan’s Code of Offenses that recriminalize libel and insult laws, which took effect on February 10. This development represents a significant regression for freedom of expression and media independence in the country.
The reintroduction of fines for defamation and insult, amounting to 65,000 som (approximately USD $750) for organizations and 20,000 som (approximately USD $230) for individuals, poses a direct threat to the media landscape in Kyrgyzstan. This law allows complaints to be processed by police and adjudicated in expedited administrative courts, effectively bypassing the more thorough civil law proceedings that provide essential safeguards for due process.
Since the decriminalization of defamation in 2011 and insult in 2015, Kyrgyzstan was regarded as a relative beacon of press freedom in the region. However, under President Sadyr Japarov’s administration, the environment for independent journalism has severely deteriorated, with growing authoritarian measures aimed at silencing dissent and stifling critical voices.
Freedom for Eurasia calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to immediately repeal these amendments and uphold the principles of freedom of expression and press freedom. We emphasize that a vibrant and independent media is crucial for the health of any democracy and for holding power to account.
We stand in solidarity with local advocacy groups and media organizations that are committed to fighting against these oppressive measures. As Kyrgyzstan navigates its path forward, it must prioritize the protection of human rights and ensure that journalists and media outlets can operate without fear of legal repercussions for their work.
We urge the international community to remain vigilant and support efforts to defend media freedom and human rights in Kyrgyzstan.
