15:41, 20 июня 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Tatyana KUDRYAVTSEVA
Collection of signatures for the withdrawal of the bill «on foreign representatives» began on Change.org portal. Platform’s website says.
The petition notes that in recent years, caring and active citizens of the country have faced illegal criminal prosecution, expulsion from the country and multimillion lawsuits. In addition, adoption of punitive legislative initiatives aimed at restricting the activities of civil society organizations and independent media is observed.
«Public organizations and citizens are calling for the rejection of these bills, noting their contradiction with the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan and international human rights standards. We must heed these calls and protect our values. As a result of the adoption of such initiatives, the country may lose its attractiveness for investors,» the petition says.
The authors recalled that deputy Nadira Narmatova and other deputies of the Parliament initiated amendments to the law «On Non-Commercial Organizations» and the Criminal Code. As a result, the concept of «foreign representative» and criminal liability are introduced, which can be applied for ordinary civic activism.
Adoption of these amendments will lead to the destruction of independent media, civil society and freedom of speech.
Authors of the petition against the law on foreign representatives
«All this will affect the healthcare and education systems, access to drinking water and quality public services, and much more. We, the citizens of Kyrgyzstan, demand to withdraw the draft law on foreign representatives. We call for the observance of constitutional principles and international obligations, as well as the protection of freedom of speech, independent media, non-profit organizations and civil society in Kyrgyzstan. Our country must remain free,» the authors of the petition urge.
At the end of May, the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan received amendments to the laws regulating the activities of NGOs for discussion in the relevant committees.
At least 32 deputies are co-authors together with Nadira Narmatova. The document gives non-profit organizations that receive grants from abroad the status of «foreign agent». A draft law prepared by the presidential office that will tighten the financial reporting requirements for NGOs is also on the way.