Public organizations in Kyrgyzstan are calling on President Sadyr Japarov to veto the "Foreign Representatives" bill. In a joint statement, signatories express gratitude to the head of state for withdrawing the "Media Funding" bill due to its infringement on freedom of speech and citizen self-expression principles and standards.
On March 14th, the Jogorku Kenesh deputies passed the "Foreign Representatives" bill in the third reading, akin to Russia's "Foreign Agents Law," targeting civil society organizations. The actions of the lawmakers highlight their political corruption and impunity for systemic violations of constitutional rights and freedoms in the Kyrgyz Republic.
It is emphasized that public organizations in Kyrgyzstan are full-fledged partners in implementing National Development Programs to promote Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Aid Agenda for Mountainous Countries, initiated by Sadyr Japarov personally, and are open and ready for partnership and effective cooperation.
The organizations strongly urge the President, as the guarantor of the Constitution, to exercise his constitutional right and veto the discriminatory "Foreign Representatives" bill. They believe such a decision will contribute to establishing legality, protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, and restoring justice in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The representatives are prepared for dialogue and collaboration with government bodies to ensure the development of civil society in the country, respect for citizens' rights and freedoms, strengthening democratic principles in society, and promoting sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan.
On March 14th, the Jogorku Kenesh passed the "Foreign Representatives" bill in the third reading (analogous to the foreign agent law in Russian legislation), officially known as the draft law "On Amendments to the Law on Non-Profit Organizations."
