Kursan Asanov: Installation of surveillance cameras in Bishkek and Osh continues

"If recently 1,865 cameras were installed at 93 objects in Bishkek, now the surveillance cameras are installed at additional 2,054 objects," Deputy Interior Minister Kursan Asanov said at a meeting of Ata Meken faction.

Agenda of the faction meeting included the progress of enforcement of Ata Meken faction's decision on the implementation of the outdoor video surveillance law.

 According to Kursan Asanov, the law on video surveillance is relevant as never before. "We started developing it several years ago, but it was adopted only in the last year. Our ministry is very interested in its work in full force. The law was adopted not only for the prevention of crime, but for the safety and security of Kyrgyzstan," the deputy minister said.

Further, the official said that criticism against the officials about the improper implementation of the law on outdoor video surveillance was voiced at the January meeting of Ata Meken faction.

"We have created an interdepartmental commission, and within a month another 9,605 cameras appeared at 2,054 objects in Bishkek. But this work is ongoing. We have to install more than 24,000 cameras at 7,909 facilities in Bishkek. In Osh, until recently, 73 cameras were installed on 16 objects. In the near future, the cameras will appear at 56 facilities," Kursan Asanov added.

According to the law, the cameras are installed by objects' owners. Surveillance cameras in public places - parks and squares - should be installed by the local authorities or municipalities.

 Kursan Asanov said that the Interior Ministry intends to amend the Administrative Code and include penalties for anyone who fails to comply with the rules on outdoor surveillance law.

The leader of Ata Meken faction Omurbek Tekebayev, in his turn, said that in two or three months, deputies will invite representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs once again to check the number of the installed additional cameras during this period. "Now the terrorists, if desired, can be found within a day. Surveillance cameras help in search. In the future, we have to make that no citizen can walk a quarter without getting into the cameras of various objects," Omurbek Tekebayev said.