Kyrgyzstan: Parliament adopts restrictive law for civil society, inspired by Russia. The law strengthens government control over NGOs, while the state is accused of wanting to control civil society.
Leila Seiitbek, Kyrgyz human rights activist and president of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia Jelena, says the law is an attempt by President Japarov to protect his power and keep the reins in the long run. In recent months, the authorities have arrested several journalists and wanted to close several private media outlets covering in particular the political opposition or corruption cases.