As explained by Deputy Minister of Culture Marat Tagaev, the amendments to the existing law are purely technical in nature.
He noted that a new media law was adopted last year, which was signed by the president, and the current amendments are intended to align the broadcasting law with the new legislation.
However, Said Atambaev expressed concern, noting that Article 45 of the existing law outlines measures of responsibility for violations, but there is no provision for the protection of journalists. In turn, Article 5 clarifies the legal responsibility for disseminating information from official press releases.
Atambaev asked the question: "Will this lead to pressure on the media?"
Tagaev responded that such norms have been established for a long time and the new amendments only clarify existing legislation.
Deputy Atambaev added that the purpose of the law is to protect society from misinformation, as well as to ensure the protection of the media from pressure. He plans to prepare his proposals for the bill for the second reading.
