A deputy expressed opposition to the formation of the Council of Lawyers under the Bar Association of the Kyrgyz Republic
At a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh committee dealing with constitutional legislation and local self-government, the chairperson of the Bar Association of the Kyrgyz Republic, Meil Begilerova, noted that in 2024, there were 3,600 registered lawyers in the country, while the current number has decreased to 2,223.
She added that in 2024, an inventory was conducted among 996 lawyers who hold licenses but are not part of the Bar Association. As a result of this check, 756 lawyers lost their licenses. Additionally, about 500 lawyers who are members of the Bar Association also faced license suspensions due to non-payment of membership fees. Begilerova explained that these measures are aimed at preserving the institution of the Bar Association, and the membership fee was raised from 200 to 500 soms, as the previous amount did not allow the organization to sustain itself.
Deputy Kubanychbek Samakov expressed dissatisfaction with the increase in membership fees and the mass revocation of lawyers' licenses. He also inquired about Begilerova's salary and the activities of the Bar Association.
In response, Begilerova stated that the Bar Association is engaged in protecting the rights of lawyers, monitoring their professional training, and conducting an ethics commission. She noted that her salary is 100,000 soms.
Samakov, in turn, pointed out that lawyers in Naryn or the Ak-Talinsky district earn only 15-20 thousand soms for participating in court sessions and still have to pay fees, while those in the Bar Association receive 100,000 without explaining their activities.
Commenting on Samakov's words, Begilerova noted that if a lawyer cannot afford to pay 500 soms a month, how can they be considered a professional in this field.
The deputy reiterated that, in his opinion, the Ministry of Justice should control the issuance and revocation of licenses, and that an organization that collects fees and revokes licenses for non-payment is unnecessary, as it hinders access to legal assistance for citizens.
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