Trials in Kyrgyzstan can be held via videoconference

On May 20, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a new law that provides for significant changes to the country's Criminal Procedure Code. The law was adopted by the Jogorku Kenesh, the parliament of Kyrgyzstan, on April 3, 2025. According to official information, these changes are aimed at making judicial and investigative processes more open, modern and transparent.

According to the new law, concepts such as "video conferencing" and "broadcasting" (i.e. online broadcast) are being introduced into the judicial system. Now, defendants will have the right to request live monitoring of court hearings via the Internet, television and radio. They will also have the right to familiarize themselves with audio and video recordings of the minutes of the hearing and object to them.

Mandatory recording of court hearings on audio and video media has been established as a legal requirement. If such recordings do not exist, this will be the basis for reconsidering or overturning the court decision.

The law also clearly sets the minimum amount of bail, depending on the severity of the criminal case. These changes are expected to serve to increase the influence of the institution of bail in criminal proceedings.

So far, official sources have not provided precise information about when the law will come into force and additional procedures for its implementation.

The Zamin.uz editorial team will continue to monitor these legal developments in Kyrgyzstan and the digitization process in the judicial system. Do you consider this reform to be an important step towards improving judicial justice? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!