The Jogorku Kenesh (parliament of Kyrgyzstan) has approved amendments to the "Non-Profit Organizations" law in the third and final reading, introducing the concept of "foreign representative," as reported by 24.kg.
The amendments, deemed similar to the Russian foreign agents law by human rights activists and journalists, have unofficially been dubbed the "foreign agents law" by Kyrgyz media. An analysis by Factcheck.kg revealed that 69.2% of the draft law was copied from the identical Russian legislation.
According to Kloop, the voting on the bill took place without discussion and lasted two minutes. 66 deputies voted in favor, while five voted against. The document now awaits the president's signature.
Under the draft law, a non-profit organization receiving foreign funding and engaging in "political activities" in Kyrgyzstan on behalf of foreign interests is considered a foreign representative. Such activities include actions aimed at influencing government bodies and public opinion.
The document requires NPOs to provide authorities with information on funding sources, assets, and employees. Additionally, they may be subject to planned and unplanned inspections by government agencies, which are also empowered to suspend an organization's operations in case of violations.
Earlier versions of the bill also included criminal liability for establishing or participating in a non-profit organization that "incites refusal to fulfill civil obligations or commit other unlawful acts." This provision was removed from the document on February 20.
International organizations, foreign governments, human rights defenders, independent media, and local activists have repeatedly criticized the draft law. Lawyers from the Kyrgyz legal clinic "Adilet" have stated that the document violates human rights and the country's Constitution.
In January, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over the draft law on "foreign representatives." Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov denounced it as interference in the country's internal affairs.
In September 2023, a registry similar to the Russian "foreign agents" list was introduced in Kazakhstan, encompassing journalists, media outlets, human rights organizations, and foreign company representations. No restrictions are imposed on those listed in the registry.
