Kyrgyzstan rejects bill banning videotaping of police officers

Kyrgyzstan rejects bill banning videotaping of police officers

Kyrgyzstan's Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) on December 19 rejected a bill that would have banned the filming of police officers with the aim of discrediting them, after considering it in second reading. The bill proposed imposing fines or arrests on those who film police officers on duty and distribute the footage with the aim of discrediting them.

The bill also envisages amendments to the criminal and administrative codes. Deputy Suyunbek Omurzakov said that the aim is to protect law enforcement agencies and prevent illegal interference in their activities.

According to the draft law, filming and distributing the activities of police officers would have been punishable by a fine or 5-7 days of detention for individuals.

These changes were interpreted as aimed at protecting the reputation of law enforcement agencies.

During the debate on the draft, the majority of deputies opposed the bill and called for its non-support. In the final vote, the bill failed to garner enough votes.

It should be noted that previously, a draft law was developed in Uzbekistan that would prohibit the filming and distribution of internal affairs officers. However, after public discussion and criticism, this draft was returned to the Legislative Chamber by the Senate for reconsideration.