Defamation and Insults: Kyrgyz Authorities Seek to Impose Fines

The Committee on Social Policy of the Jogorku Kenesh approved the first reading of a bill. It provides fines for defamation and insults on the Internet and in the media.

The bill proposes to fine individuals 100,000 soms for intentionally humiliating the honor and dignity of another person. For legal entities, the fines will be even higher — up to 200,000 soms. Identical amounts are provided for defamation.

Within 10 days, they (the defendant) have the right to go to court. They must repay the fine in 30 days. After 130 days, a penalty of one percent for each day of delay will begin to accrue, said Deputy Minister of Justice Orozbek Sydykov.

The initiative has caused active discussion. Deputy Yerulan Kokulov expressed doubts about the technical capabilities of tracking social networks. He also stressed that the law can be applied selectively and be of no use to ordinary citizens.

They wrote about me in the newspaper that I have 35 apartments and 65 cars. I found the author myself and talked to him. None of you could do anything, even though I was already a deputy. You couldn't protect my rights, so what about ordinary people? That's why I'm against the draft bill. The law will work when someone needs it. I should be the first to be interested in it, but I am against it, Kokulov said during the discussion on the bill.

Meanwhile, MP Yeldar Abakirov has cautioned that excessive fines could have undesirable outcomes. He gave an example of a recent incident: teenagers who were intimidated by penalties for smoking.

Kyrgyzstan's media community has also expressed concern. Journalists and activists claim that the bill poses a clear threat to the country's freedom of speech and public discourse. They believe that the proposed fines are disproportionate to the incomes of most citizens.

Attention has also been drawn to measures violating the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan, which guarantees freedom of speech and prohibits censorship.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina