Kyrgyzstan - February 2025

Kyrgyzstan amended its Code of Offenses on 10 February to allow for fines of up to KGS 20,000 (USD230) for individuals and KGS 65,000 (USD 750) for legal entities who are found to have insulted or defamed others on the internet. Offenses are to be adjudicated in expedited administrative courts, rather than standard civil courts, as was previously the case. Media lawyers and press freedom advocates also criticized the size of the fines, as KGS 20,000 is more than half the average monthly salary in the capital of Bishkek. These amounts could lead journalists to self-censor to avoid personal or organizational financial difficulties and discourage citizens from speaking on the record to media outlets. The Committee to Protect Journalists and International Press Institute called on the Kyrgyz government to repeal the law.

Sources: 24.kg, International Press Institute, Committee to Protect Journalists, Zhogorky Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan