Kyrgyzstan Adopts Controversial Media Law

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed a controversial new media law that critics say could tighten government control over independent journalism and restrict press freedom.

According to a statement from the president’s administration, the law is intended to create conditions for the development of independent and competitive media. But the legislation—debated for more than two years—has alarmed journalists and rights groups due to provisions that significantly expand government oversight of the press.

Under the new law, all media outlets—including websites and blogs—must register with the state. The Cabinet of Ministers has been given the authority to set procedures for registering, re-registering, and terminating media organizations, effectively placing regulation of the sector under executive control, with no parliamentary or judicial oversight.

The Ministry of Justice will maintain a registry of all approved and defunct outlets. The law also caps foreign ownership of media—by both private investors and non-profits—at 35 percent.

Kyrgyz and international legal experts say the law will likely become an instrument of pressure on independent outlets. In a recent analysis, the Bishkek-based Institute Media Policy urged the president not to sign the bill.

“Mandatory registration as a condition for the commencement of media activities may create unnecessary barriers and provide an opportunity for administrative pressure. The procedures for registration, re-registration and de-registration should be clearly regulated by law and not left to the discretion of the government,” the organization warned.

Human Rights Watch and 10 other NGOs also condemned the law in a joint statement, saying it “threatens to further curb freedom of expression and the media.” They called on President Japarov to veto the bill and return it to parliament for revision in consultation with civil society and media stakeholders.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) echoed the call, with its Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, Gulnoza Said, warning: “Considering Kyrgyzstan’s unprecedented media crackdown, Parliament’s last-minute reintroduction of repressive clauses into the new media law bill is dangerous and rightly sparks deep concern for the press.”

The presidential administration first proposed the bill in October 2022. After heavy criticism, a working group—including journalists and media experts—was formed to revise it. In March 2024, Japarov ordered the bill sent back for further changes, and a second working group was established.

In January 2025, the final version was submitted to parliament. That draft eliminated mandatory registration and allowed media outlets to register voluntarily—a move seen as a compromise.

However, during the second reading, lawmakers reinserted the mandatory registration clause, shocking the working group, which said the changes reversed prior agreements.

“During the second reading, amendments were made that essentially annul previously reached agreements, compromises and expert assessments,” the group said.