Kyrgyzstan authorities aim for broader jurisdiction over religious matters control
Fresh Take:
Locking Down Religious Activities: Kyrgyzstan's Strict New Laws
Gear up, folks! The deadline for public comment is fast approaching on September 28, as Kyrgyzstan works on revising its laws regarding religious activities. The administration boasts these changes are crucial for fighting extremism and safeguarding public safety, but detractors argue it could give authorities too much control over citizens' spiritual lives.
Originally, President Sadyr Japarov's administration sought to overhaul Kyrgyzstan's religious laws back in 2023, but the initiative hit a snag. Now, they're back at it, introducing two bills in late August scheduled to replace legislation enacted in 2008. After public comments are considered, the national parliament, known as the Zhogorku Kenesh, will weigh in. If the new measures pass, they could go into effect as early as 2025.
The bills propose a clear divide between church and state, preserving Kyrgyzstan's secular nature. Religious groups with explicitly religious identities or purposes will be forbidden from forming political parties or associations. Politicians, too, would be barred from religious rhetoric in public discussions about policy matters. Clerics and religious figures would also be prohibited from running for office or campaigning for candidates. To ensure government employees' private beliefs don't cloud their public duties, strict regulations will be implemented to monitor them.
At the same time, these bills expand the government's reach in regulating religious activities and expressions of faith. All religious institutions must obtain state registration and re-register every five years. Engaging in religious activity without official approval will be a criminal offense. The bills also tighten registration requirements, such as increasing the number of founders necessary to gain registration for a religious community.
The proposed changes also aim to bolster government control over religious education. With Kyrgyzstan being predominantly Muslim, the new laws will grant the government expanded authority over the religious instruction taught in madrasas. Existing religious institutions are currently allowed to operate religious schools, but under the new framework, madrasas will require separate operating permits from the State Commission on Religious Affairs. Qualification requirements for religious teachers will also be heightened, and anyone seeking religious training abroad will need state permission.
The proposal further tightens control over online religious discussions. Materials deemed offensive to believers or advocating the superiority of one religious belief over another will be banned. Other provisions could potentially punish women wearing religious attire, such as a niqab or burqa, and outlaw door-to-door proselytizing.
According to observers, Japarov and the head of the State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, plan to boost state control over religious affairs and to limit foreign spiritual influences, particularly ultra-conservative Islamic practices associated with militancy.
Tashiev has expressed worry about proselytizing and educational activities aimed at "Arabizing" Kyrgyz citizens and "reorienting" religion. Recently, state-backed media have been pushing content to generate public support for the impending changes.
Alarmingly, non-Muslim religious communities might suffer the most under these changes. Representatives of various religious groups in Kyrgyzstan reported not being consulted about the bill's content, with some stating they haven't even seen the proposed legislation. They expect their input to be ignored by authorities.
"I'm afraid that if these changes are adopted, and if the authorities follow their past strategies, many Churches may be forced to shut down," a member of a Protestant religious community told Forum 18.
Here's the scoop on essential aspects of these changes:
- Registration Restrictions: Religious communities must have at least 500 adult citizen members to register and operate legally, effectively outlawing smaller religious groups and those without a sufficient following[3]
- Public Activity Limits: Religious events are only allowed within designated religious buildings, reduced opportunities for open religious practices[1]
- Censorship of Religious Materials: All religious literature needs government approval before distribution, giving the government significant control over acceptable religious content[4]
- Increased Penalties: Fines for violating the Religion Law have been increased significantly, raising the risk for individuals participating in unapproved religious activities[3]
Overall, the reforms aim to tighten government control over religious activities, restricting religious freedom and creating a more difficult environment for religious communities to practice their faith.
- The new legislation in Kyrgyzstan, under the proposed changes, will impose stricter policies on religion, with increasing penalties for violations, making it challenging for individuals to participate in unapproved religious activities, as stated in the context of censorship of religious materials.
- As part of the overhaul of religious laws in Kyrgyzstan, registration restrictions have been implemented, requiring religious communities to have at least 500 adult citizen members to register and operate legally, potentially outlawing smaller religious groups and those without a sufficient following, as mentioned in the context of registration restrictions.
