Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has approved a bill allowing the Ministry of Internal Affairs to impose fines for insults and defamation published on social media
Bishkek
The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has approved a bill that allows the Ministry of Internal Affairs to impose fines for insults and defamation published on social media and media websites, reports the press service of the Jogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan.
The new legislation has sparked widespread debate in society, with human rights activists concerned it could be used to target government critics.
Of the 80 deputies registered at the session, only four – Dastan Bekeshev, Janar Akaev, Seyidbek Atambaev, and Eldar Abakirov – voted against the bill. Sixty-eight supported the initiative, while eight abstained.
What does the bill entail?
According to Eurasiatoday.ru, the amendments to the Code of Offenses empower the MIA to track cases of defamation and insults online, draft protocols, and issue fines.
The fines are set at 20,000 soms (approximately $230) for individuals and 65,000 soms (about $747) for legal entities.
Criticism and opposition arguments
Deputy Dastan Bekeshev criticized the law, calling it a “tax on speech.” He pointed out that a 20,000 som fine is equivalent to a teacher’s monthly salary and argued that law enforcement should focus on more serious crimes.
“Instead of searching the internet for who said something bad, they should be looking for criminals,” Bekeshev said.
Concerns from human rights organizations
Lawyers and human rights advocates worry the law will be selectively enforced, as has occurred with the law on misinformation.
Akmat Alagushev, a lawyer from the Media Policy Institute, noted that the law could become a tool for pressuring independent media such as Kloop and Azattyk.
Background of the bill
The amendments were initiated by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Justice of Kyrgyzstan in April 2024. The initial version proposed higher fines: 100,000 soms ($1,150) for individuals and 200,000 soms ($2,300) for legal entities.
Ombudsman Jamila Jamanbaeva called the fines excessively high and emphasized the need for judicial proceedings in such cases. Following public criticism, the fines were reduced, and enforcement powers were transferred to the MIA.
Freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan
In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has lost its status as a “haven of free speech” in Central Asia. According to Freedom House, the country has been categorized as “not free” since 2021.
In the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) rankings, Kyrgyzstan is in 120th place.
“There is unprecedented pressure on journalists,” said Jeanne Cavelier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk.
Media prosecution precedents
The 2021 fake news law allowed websites to be blocked without court orders. In September 2023, Kloop.kg was blocked, and in July 2024, the Kloop Media Foundation was liquidated by court order.
Additionally, journalists face criminal prosecution.
Similar laws in other countries in Central Asia and Russia
In recent years, Central Asian countries and Russia have adopted laws regulating online information, including liability for defamation and insults.
Russia:
Since 2019, Russia has enforced a law imposing administrative penalties for spreading false information online and insulting authorities and state symbols. Fines for such violations can reach 1.5 million rubles ($15,900).
Kazakhstan:
In 2020, Kazakhstan amended its legislation to increase penalties for spreading false information online. The law includes fines and imprisonment for defamation and insults shared on internet platforms.
Uzbekistan:
In 2021, Uzbekistan amended its Criminal Code to introduce liability for online defamation and insults. Violators face fines or corrective labor.
Tajikistan:
Tajikistan enacted a law in 2020 that penalizes spreading false information online, including defamation and insults. Violators face fines or imprisonment.
Turkmenistan:
Turkmenistan has strict laws limiting freedom of speech online. Severe penalties, including imprisonment, are imposed for defamation and insults.
Thus, most Central Asian countries and Russia have adopted legislative measures aimed at regulating online information and establishing liability for defamation and insults.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan join forces against disinformation
Another report says: Representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Information and Mass Communications Agency under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed an Interaction Plan in the Information Sphere for 2025, aimed at deepening partnership relations between the two countries, reports the press service of the Uzbek leader.
Read: Supreme Court of Tajikistan bans 29 parties, groups and movements
This event is a logical continuation of the agreements reached during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Kazakhstan on August 8 this year.
During that visit, in a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the parties issued a joint statement and agreed on areas of bilateral cooperation in the field of mass communications.
Key areas of partnership in the information sphere
The signed Interaction Plan includes several key areas:
Media content exchange: Dissemination of relevant materials for audiences in both countries.
Educational initiatives: Conducting training sessions and seminars for journalists, as well as improving the qualifications of press secretaries of government agencies.
Support for young professionals: Creating conditions for the professional development of media workers.
Combating disinformation: Joint efforts to detect and neutralize fake news.
The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan emphasized that implementing these initiatives will provide a strong foundation for effective interaction between the countries and help develop mechanisms to counter disinformation.
Press tours as a tool for experience exchange
A significant agenda item was the discussion of organizing press tours for media representatives from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
These events aim to strengthen professional ties between journalists from the two countries and facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices in the media field.
Silk Way TV channel: a new stage of regional cooperation
At the meeting, Robert Muradyan, Managing Director of the President of Kazakhstan’s Television and Radio Complex, presented plans for the Kazakhstani Silk Way TV channel, which is set to become an important tool for developing information cooperation.
The channel is expected to actively collaborate with media organizations in Central Asian countries, offering a platform for content exchange and joint projects.
Outcomes of the meeting: advancing media collaboration
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing readiness to deepen cooperation in the information sphere.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their commitment to actively exchanging media content and continuing the implementation of joint projects aimed at strengthening the region’s information space.
Read: Babies are being sold for up to $4,500 in Kazakhstan
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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on December 20, 2024)
