Article 19
Article 19
11/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/11/2025 11:14
Kyrgyzstan: Revise ‘extremism’ laws and stop targeting journalists
The Kyrgyz district court's decision to ban Kloop, Temirov Live, and Ayt Ayt Dese, the country's major independent media outlets, under the false pretext of 'extremism' marks a grave escalation of the authorities' attempt to dismantle the pillars of a resilient civil society in Kyrgyzstan. ARTICLE 19 unequivocally condemns this politically motivated decision. We call on the government to end all forms of harassment of journalists and human rights defenders and to uphold its international obligations to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other relevant treaties.
On 27 October 2025, the Oktyabrsky District Court of Bishkek issued a decision designating three independent media outlets - Kloop, Temirov Live and Ayt Ayt Dese - all known for their public interest reporting and criticism of the Kyrgyz government, as 'extremist', effectively banning their publications. Rinat Tukhvatshin and Bolot Temirov, the founders of the outlets, have also been labelled as 'extremists'.
While the judgment fails to specify what exact materials fall under the 'extremism' category, it cites vague notions of 'psychological terrorism' and 'information extremism'. The Court further stated that the outlets' content created a 'negative attitude' towards the government.
ARTICLE 19 finds this decision deeply problematic for several reasons. It relies on Kyrgyzstan's extremism legislation, which we have repeatedly criticised for failure to comply with international freedom of expression standards. In particular, the legislation uses vague and overly broad concepts. This ambiguity grants excessive discretion to authorities, enabling arbitrary application of the law, such as in this case, under the pretext of combating extremism.
We are also concerned that the decision further amplifies the chilling effect, not only on media professionals, but on society at large. The ban means that any form of interaction with the outlawed content - such as liking, commenting on or sharing online posts - is now deemed illegal and may lead to serious legal consequences for citizens. It remains unclear, however, how this new rule will be enforced.
Further, we find that the decision deepens the already pervasive climate of fear and repression in Kyrgyzstan, once a promising example of human rights protection in Central Asia. Authorities have subjected the country to a widespread crackdown on independent media and freedom of expression, including through enactment of repressive laws targeting civil society.
This is not the first time that authorities have targeted independent media in the country. In August 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the decision to liquidate Kloop Media following a lawsuit lodged by the Bishkek City Prosecutor's Office that, among other things, accused the outlet of 'hidden manipulation,' leading its audience to 'distrust' authorities. In January 2025, 11 journalists affiliated with Temirov Live were arrested in night raids for 'inciting civil disobedience' through their reporting. Two of them have since been sentenced to prison.
In addition, the Law on Mass Media, adopted in August 2025, further restricts civic space and imposes additional constraints on journalists and media outlets operating in Kyrgyzstan. The law, which we analysed earlier this year and then called for its repeal, eliminates the concept of an 'independent journalist,' introduces mandatory registration for all media outlets, and imposes overly broad and vague content restrictions.
ARTICLE 19 calls on the Kyrgyz government to stop using anti-extremism legislation as a tool to prosecute these media outlets and other dissenting voices, end all forms of harassment of journalists and human rights defenders, and reverse these bans. The government must also promptly revise its legislation on extremism and ensure that no such laws are used to target civil society under the pretext of restoring public order or enhancing national security. Civil society organisations, journalists and citizens in Kyrgyzstan must be free to exercise these constitutional rights, also guaranteed under international human rights standards, and to engage in public debate without fear of reprisals.
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