UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression welcomed withdrawal and review of the controversial draft Law on Mass Media in Kyrgyzstan

The previous draft Law was evaluated by the UN Special Rapporteur, OSCE institutions, and the Venice Commission.  The past reviews expressed concerns  regarding vague and wide restrictions on permissible media content, mandatory registration of online media, stringent media accreditation rules and i other forms of excessive governmental control that may have had a chilling effect on media freedom, the right of freedom of expression and access to information more broadly. The UN Special Rapporteur expressed hopes that the ongoing revision will ensure compliance of the updated draft Law with international human rights standards.

 Media freedom experts and advocacy organizations are also hoping that open consultations will include a request by the Government to the OSCE institutions and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe for a follow-up review of the updated draft Law, so that the final Law adopted by Parliament is closely aligned with international human rights standards and norms. [MB1] Link to the story  on the OHCHR webpage:  Kyrgyzstan withdraws contentious mass media bill following review by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, OSCE institutions and the Venice Commission | United Nations in Kyrgyz Republic

Link to the original text of the Other Letter of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression from 20 June 2023: OL KGZ (3.2023) (ohchr.org)