Kyrgyzstan seeks stronger power to shut media outlets
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 January 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kyrgyzstan seeks stronger power to shut media outlets, 30 January 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54e1a47c6.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 30, 2015
By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
BISHKEK – Kyrgyzstan's government has proposed legislation that would allow it to shut down media outlets without court decisions.
Justice Ministry spokesman Emir Zulpuev told RFE/RL on January 30 that under proposed amendments to the Central Asian nations law on media, the ministry would be empowered to close media outlets if their owners are pronounced dead or and there is no legal successor.
Zulpuev said a media outlet could also be shut down if its owner's company is liquidated or if the owner's legal status as an entrepreneur is annulled.
He said the bill would also enable the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism to file lawsuits against media outlets on the basis of public complaints.
The amendments also would oblige media outlets to inform Justice Ministry about chief editors' change.
Media rights advocates in the former Soviet republic said such a law would be a powerful instrument in the hands of the state and could be used to crack down on independent and opposition media.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
