President Sadyr Japarov signed a law allowing the government to fast-track legislation and halving the period for public discussion from 30 to 15 days. Legislation deemed relevant to national security, state secrets, and the rulings of the Constitutional Court will be excepted from any public consultation whatsoever. Additionally, the president and head of the Cabinet of Ministers will have discretion to declare bills “urgent” and expedite the legislative process. Opposition political parties and civil society groups condemned the legislation as undermining public oversight and participation in legislative processes. The law is part of a larger pattern under President Japarov of the weakening of countervailing institutions and centralization of power in the presidency.

Sources: Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, President of Kyrgyzstan

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

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan finalized a deal demarcating the border between the countries, putting an end to a source of underdevelopment, insecurity, and deadly violence since the two gained independence from the Soviet Union. The two governments had accelerated efforts to demarcate the border after regular armed clashes on the border escalated into an interstate armed conflict in 2022 that killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands. As part of the deal, both countries agreed to jointly manage power plants and water resources in the region. Conflict over access to these resources, which were shared during the Soviet Union, has been one of the primary drivers of tensions along the long-contested border.

Sources: The Diplomat, Havli, Kloop

President Sadyr Japarov signed the law “On Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations” on 21 January, which rights advocates and religious leaders say exerts too much control over religious affairs and encroaches on individual civil liberties. The law bans the bearing of religious face coverings, such as the Islamic niqab, in public places, ‘coercive’ attempts at religious conversions, and religious ceremonies in nursing homes and correctional institutions. The use of religious words or terms in the names of legal entities is also banned. Private religious lessons outside of approved institutions are prohibited and pursuing religious studies abroad is only possible with explicit government approval. Religious teachers will also be licensed and their activities strictly curtailed. The law is expected to infringe on the rights of minority religions that have frequently struggled with state pressure, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as Muslims who do not conform to the state definition of Islamic orthodoxy.

Sources: Havli, Office of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Times of Central Asia

Hundreds of Pakistani university students fled Kyrgyzstan in May 2024 after a seemingly minor altercation between Pakistani students and Kyrgyz youth at a Bishkek restaurant escalated into the storming of an international student dormitory by 700 Kyrgyz youths. The attacks resulted in 41 hospitalizations and by 20 May, 1,200 Pakistani students at Kyrgyzstan International University had returned home. Observers credited the escalation and violence with growing sentiments – that the government has been unable or unwilling to counteract - that South Asians are replacing Kyrgyz workers in areas where foreign students often take part-time jobs such as taxis, food couriers, and car washes.

Sources: Eurasianet, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Havli