Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament Passes Controversial Laws Weakening Human Rights Protections

Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament Passes Controversial Laws Weakening Human Rights Protections
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Kyrgyzstan’s parliament approved two draft laws last Wednesday that significantly undermine protections against torture and media freedom, sparking widespread concern among human rights advocates, Human Rights Watch reported. The legislation merges the independent National Center for Torture Prevention with the office of the Ombudsman, effectively reducing its powers and independence. This move reverses progress praised by the United Nations, which had recognized the Center as a model institution in Central Asia.

The second law dramatically restricts media freedom by granting authorities broad powers to deny registration of media outlets, obstruct their operations, and close them without judicial oversight. It also imposes stringent registration requirements on websites, including those operated by NGOs, and limits foreign ownership in media companies to 35 percent, threatening the viability of independent and nonprofit media organizations.

Both bills were rushed through parliament in a single day without adequate review or consultation with civil society, violating Kyrgyzstan’s own procedural rules and international human rights obligations. The United Nations and other international bodies have previously urged Kyrgyzstan to maintain the independence and resources of torture prevention institutions.

Journalists, media experts, and legal professionals have appealed to President Sadyr Japarov to veto the bills. International partners, including the European Union, are also urged to pressure Kyrgyzstan to uphold fundamental freedoms and reconsider the legislation. The laws risk isolating Kyrgyzstan and weakening its commitments to human rights and the rule of law.