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Kyrgyz Republic’s Draft Law on Mass Media Raises Concerns Over Freedom of Expression

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) and ODIHR have released an interim joint opinion on the draft law on mass media in Kyrgyzstan, expressing concerns over its potential impact on freedom of expression and media freedom.

Background

The draft law was initiated by the presidential administration in September 2022 to replace the existing 1992 Law on Mass Media. While the authorities claim that the new law aims to improve media regulations, critics argue that it may actually restrict press freedom and undermine democratic institutions.

Concerns Over Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom

One of the main concerns is that the draft law does not provide sufficient safeguards against legal harassment and abuse of the judicial system against the media. The OSCE RFoM and ODIHR have called on the authorities to ensure that the law protects journalists and media outlets from such abuses, which are common in Kyrgyzstan.

  • Another concern is that the draft law may restrict access to information and limit the ability of journalists to perform their work independently.
  • The OSCE RFoM has emphasized the importance of ensuring that media can operate freely and without undue interference from the state or other actors.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

The authorities have also been criticized for not providing meaningful and qualitative feedback on the comments and contributions received during public consultations. This lack of transparency and accountability raises concerns over the legitimacy of the law-making process.

Consequences of Adopting the Draft Law

The consequences of adopting this draft law could be severe, including:

  • Restriction of press freedom and media pluralism
  • Increased self-censorship among journalists
  • Limitation of access to information for citizens
  • Erosion of trust in democratic institutions
  • Negative impact on the country’s international reputation

Call to Action

In conclusion, the OSCE RFoM and ODIHR urge the Kyrgyz authorities to revise the draft law to ensure that it protects freedom of expression and media freedom, and to engage in a more transparent and inclusive dialogue with stakeholders.