The European Union is highly concerned about passing the Bill On freedom of religion and religious organizations in Kyrgyzstan, the relevant message was distributed today.
“European Union is very passed about amendments to the Bill On freedom of religion and religious organizations recently adopted by the Kyrgyz Parliament, and is concerned that some of its provisions are below the OSCE standards and requirements,” the message reads.
In view of the recent developments, the EU regrets that Kyrgyz Parliament speaker’s petition, submitted by OSCE Center in Bishkek, was not taken into account when amending this law. Considering the limitations of the religious freedom in Kyrgyz Republic, which are pronounced by the new law, the EU asks the Kyrgyz President, Kurmanbek Bakiev, not to sign this edition, and send it back to the parliament for further hearing, following the experts’ recommendations.
