Kyrgyzstan enacts media law despite rights concerns

FILE PHOTO: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attends an informal meeting of Commonwealth of Independent States heads of state at the Igora resort in Leningrad region, Russia December 25, 2024. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

BISHKEK (Reuters) -Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed a controversial media law that expands government control over independent outlets, despite criticism from journalists and rights groups.

The law requires all media, including online platforms, to register with authorities and limits foreign ownership to 35%. Critics say it could be used to silence dissent and stifle press freedom.