The space for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in Kyrgyzstan has shrunk significantly in recent years. Over the past 18 months in particular the authorities have intensified their campaign to stifle all forms of legitimate public criticism and peaceful dissent in defiance of significant and substantiated objections from civil society and international governmental and non-governmental organisations. Journalists and activists critical of governmental policy have faced increasing attacks on social media, arbitrary detentions, unfounded prosecutions, and unfair trials. The authorities have deployed discriminatory legislative initiatives promoting vaguely defined notions of cultural traditions and national values to undermine the rule of law and unduly restrict freedom of expression. They have also used overly broad definitions of political activity to curb the right to freedom of association.
