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

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