OSCE representative calls on Kyrgyzstan’s President to veto reintroduction of criminal defamation

VIENNA, 23 April 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called on the President of Kyrgyzstan to veto a bill that could reintroduce criminal defamation in Kyrgyzstan.  

“This bill could de facto criminalize defamation via a loophole. Additionally these changes might contradict the 2010 Constitution of Kyrgyzstan that outlawed criminal prosecution for libel,” Mijatović said, referring to a legal review of the bill commissioned by her Office.

The legal review analyses an amendment to the Criminal Code article “On knowingly false accusation” approved last week by Parliament. The review provides several recommendations to significantly change the bill in order to protect freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Kyrgyzstan.

Mijatović expressed particular concern about a provision in the amendment that would introduce stronger protection for public officials against accusations of corruption.

“This goes against international standards on public figures who should be more tolerant, not less, of such accusations as they have chosen to hold a position of trust with special responsibilities and be open to criticism,” Mijatović said.

“This would also be a setback in the progress made in recent years in promoting media freedom and freedom of expression. It is important that Kyrgyzstan continues setting a positive example for other countries in the region,” Mijatović said.

The full text of the legal review is available in Russian at www.osce.org/ru/fom/117939

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.