Parliament considers tighter censorship

Kyrgyzstan's parliament is considering amendments to the country's restrictive Religion Law which would tighten state censorship. The existing censorship -- like other parts of the Religion Law -- breaks the country's international human rights commitments. Lawyers from various religious communities, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of state reprisals, have said that the amendments would have the effect of imposing total censorship on all religious literature and similar material.

The existing Religion Law, passed in 2009, did not impose prior compulsory censorship of all religious literature. However, it allows state examination of any religious literature and requires state examination of all religious materials placed in a library. Distribution of any religious materials is permitted only within the confines of a religious organization's legally owned property or in places allocated by local authorities. (For more information on the current Religion Law, click here.)

If the proposed amendment is passed, anyone wanting to import, publish or distribute religious literature will have to seek prior permission from the authorities. The text of the amendment is set to be finalized in September.

Pray that these amendments are rejected. Pray that the Lord will empower believers in Kyrgyzstan to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:18-20). Pray for wisdom for the country's leaders, and pray that they will come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

Go to the Kyrgyzstan Country Report to learn more about opposition in Kyrgyzstan.

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    VOMC has come alongside project partners to offer an English camp as an opportunity for evangelism and outreach among youth and young adults. Camp participants are invited to embrace the Good News of the Gospel through the platform of the English Camps.

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  • Country Information

    Population
    6,122,781 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Kyrgyz (73.8), Uzbek (14.8), Russian (5.1), Dungan (1.1), Other (5.2)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (90), Christian (7), other (3)

    Leader
    President Sadyr Japarov (2021)

    Government type
    Parliamentary Republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system, which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Kyrgyzstan

    Ask the Lord to empower these church leaders and their congregation members so they can lovingly and boldly proclaim the Gospel in Kyrgyzstan (Ephesians 6:18-20). Also intercede on behalf of the country's political leaders, who not only need wisdom to justly govern the nation but also eternal salvation through a personal and meaningful encounter with the Risen Christ. May it represent the beginning of spiritual revival throughout this land.

Kyrgyzstan News

  • Proposed Religion Law Amendments Rejected
    A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading "Restricted Access" over it.
     

    In October 2023, a bill that would put significant restrictions on religious organizations in Kyrgyzstan passed its first reading. Of particular concern to human rights experts were the legislation's vague wording (which could potentially be subjected to abuse) and the strict new requirements for financial reporting. Previously published details on the proposed restrictions are available here.

  • New Bill Further Restricts Nonprofit Groups
    A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading
     

    Human rights organizations are cautious as a new bill works its way through the Kyrgyz parliament, passing its first reading on October 25th. If implemented, the legislation would require a nonprofit organization or human rights group receiving international funding to register with the Justice Ministry as a "foreign representative." This act would target any organization engaged in "political activity," which the proposed legislation defines as "action aimed at changing state policy and shaping public opinion for these purposes."

  • Fines for ''Missionary Activities''
    Outline map of Kyrgyzstan, the country's flag, and a faded view of scales.
      

    In multiple incidents that took place during late March, Christians from registered churches in Kyrgyzstan were issued fines for conducting "illegal missionary activities." News of the raids had not been released until recently due to fear of reprisals.

  • Draft Law Further Restricts Church Registration
    Parliament building - Photo: Wikipedia / Adam Harangozó
    Parliament building in Bishkek
    Photo: Wikipedia / Adam Harangozó (cc)

    If adopted, a draft law prepared by the State Commission for Religious Affairs would continue to ban any worship meetings and religious education from operating without state permission throughout the country of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, this potential new law would make the registration of small religious communities very difficult, if not impossible.