Civic Space and Fundamental Freedoms in Kyrgyzstan: Priorities, Cases and Recommendations for EU Engagement

A new briefing paper prepared by International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) aims to inform EU engagement on Kyrgyzstan, particularly ahead of the EU-Kyrgyzstan Human Rights Dialogue, expected to take place in November 2026. The briefing highlights key concerns on civic space, democratic participation and the protection of the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Kyrgyzstan, as well as individual cases of concern to IPHR and partners. IPHR urges the EU to prominently raise these issues and cases with the Kyrgyzstani authorities and call for concrete steps to address them and ensure tangible improvements, in line with Kyrgyzstan’s international human rights obligations and its commitments under its Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, which was signed in June 2024 and is currently pending ratification.

The breakup of Kyrgyzstan’s informal ruling tandem between President Sadyr Japarov and his long-term ally, security chief Kamchybek Tashiev, in February 2026 initially raised cautious hopes for a change in the authorities’ approach to dissent, as Tashiev had overseen a widening campaign against critics. The period following Tashiev’s departure has also seen some limited positive developments in individual cases, such as the release of independent journalist Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy pending a review of her case, an appeal court decision upholding the earlier acquittal of activists in the so-called Kempir Abad case, and reduced sentences issued on appeal in some other cases. However, while welcome, these developments have not amounted to a broader shift in policy or practice, and the pattern of persecution of critical voices has persisted. It is particularly troubling that criminal cases continue to be pursued under broadly worded provisions such as those penalising incitement to discord and calls for unrest or the forceful seizure of power, typically based on questionable conclusions of state-appointed experts. Repression also extends beyond Kyrgyzstan’s borders, with critics who have fled the country continuing to face persecution abroad.

Recent statements by high-level officials further reflect the authorities’ continued intolerance of criticism and dissent. In a highly controversial move, in July 2026, the communications head of the presidential administration published a list of dozens of human rights defenders, activists, journalists, lawyers and opposition figures, whom he threatened with prosecution and imprisonment for allegedly spreading “fake news” and “discrediting” the government in relation to China, land use and foreign debt. More broadly, President Japarov has warned that authorities will take strict measures against those who spread “slander and lies”, ‘’mislead’’ people, and “deliberately stoke divisions” around contentious issues. He has particularly called for harsh penalties for alleged “enemies of the people”, accusing them of seeking to destabilise the country with the support of external forces. This kind of rhetoric contradicts official assurances that freedom of expression is protected in the country, while stigmatising critical voices, heightening the risks they face and further contributing to an increasingly restrictive environment for public debate.

New implementing regulations for the 2025 media law retain mandatory registration requirements for both traditional and online media and set out broadly worded grounds for closing media outlets. In practice, independent media platforms have been subjected to mounting pressure, including through the designation of materials published by Kloop, Temirov Live and its sister project Ayt Ayt Dese as “extremist”, rendering it a criminal offence to share or otherwise engage with their materials.

At the same time, the 2024 “foreign representatives” law continues to pose a serious threat to civil society and has resulted in widespread self-censorship among civil society organisations. The law’s chilling impact was documented by a December 2025 UN study, which found that nearly 80 percent of surveyed organisations had reduced public activities, avoided criticism, or engaged in other forms of self-censorship to avoid being targeted.

The 2025 abolition of the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture (NCPT) and the transfer of its functions to the Ombudsperson’s Office raised serious concerns among civil society and international experts about the weakening of independent safeguards against torture. These concerns are compounded by persistent shortcomings in investigating torture allegations and ensuring accountability and effective remedies for victims.

Space for political pluralism and opposition remains heavily circumscribed, a trend reinforced by the criminal prosecution of opposition activists and other recent moves against opposition initiatives. There are concerns that further attempts to stifle political opposition, dissent and protest may follow as the January 2027 presidential elections draw closer.

Recent developments underscore the importance of sustained EU attention to civic freedoms in Kyrgyzstan. The EU should insist on effective measures to reverse restrictive trends, including by ending the use of broadly worded criminal provisions against critical voices; safeguarding the operating space for independent media, civil society and political opposition; and safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly in accordance with international standards.

The full briefing paper provides more detailed information and recommendations on these issues. It can be downloaded below.