Translated with AI
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a law prohibiting foreign individuals from owning, using, managing, and/or controlling more than 35% of the shares, stakes, or interests in the authorized capital of media outlets, Interfax reports, citing the presidential press service.
The law aims to improve media legislation, creating conditions for the development of independent, competitive, and responsible publications. All media outlets will now be required to register with the Ministry of Justice, including online publications, YouTube channels, podcasts, documentary videos, and other online content.
The law grants the media the right to keep the source of information confidential, including the identity of the person who provided the information on the condition of non-disclosure of his name, except in cases where the corresponding request was received from the court in connection with a case pending before it.
A strict ban on censorship is also introduced, establishing rules that exclude any interference by officials in the activities of the media.
