Our People > Anton Chipegin

Anton Chipegin

Anton was born and grew up in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He worked as a television correspondent, editor and TV presenter on the main television channels of the republic, such as NTS and MIR 24, and also as an economic observer at international news agencies and other media resources of Kyrgyzstan.

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Former President law Parliament Legislation

Kyrgyzstan’s First President Akayev Wants to Restore His “Former President” Status

Kyrgyzstan's first president, Askar Akayev, has sent a letter to the country's parliament (Jogurku Kenesh) asking for his status as a former leader of the republic to be restored. Having served as president from 1991 until 2005, this title was removed from Akayev in 2010. According to law, the status of former president gives a citizen several social and legal guarantees. The ex-president is granted state protection on the republic's territory, a state dacha for life, and a monthly allowance equal to three-quarters of the Kyrgyz president's salary. The head of the country's parliamentary committee on constitutional legislation, Cholpon Sultanbekova, has said that Akayev's appeal had already sparked discussions in society. According to Sultanbekova, Akayev wrote a letter on July 30 to the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, but only now has the letter been sent to the deputies for consideration. “The issue will not be immediately put on the agenda. First, it will be considered by the factions and deputies. It will be put on the agenda only after that,” Sultanbekova said. On March 24, 2005, after the coup d'état (Tulip Revolution), Akayev fled to Moscow, fearing for his life. In 2010, after the April Revolution, when Kyrgyzstan's second president, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, was overthrown, Akayev was stripped of his presidential status by a decree of the interim government. Edil Baisalov, deputy head of Kyrgyzstan's cabinet of ministers, has commented that Akayev has ex-presidential status from a legal standpoint. “There is no doubt that Askar Akayev continues to possess the title of ex-president of the Kyrgyz Republic. If anyone wants to deprive him of this status, there should be a full impeachment procedure, which so far has only taken place against Atambayev in 2019 (the third President of Kyrgyzstan),” Baisalov wrote. Kyrgyzstan's current president, Sadyr Japarov, also spoke out about the matter. He noted that he had not discussed the issue with Akayev. “This is a matter for the parliament. How the Jogorku Kenesh will decide whether it will or will not give its consent is the legal right of the parliament. Whether to deprive the status of 'ex' or to restore it is also decided by parliament. Of course, there were many negatives during Akayev's rule. But along with that, there were positive moments in the years when the country gained independence,” the president said. Japarov said Askar Akayev could make such a request to parliament, unlike other fugitive presidents, Bakeev and Atambayev, who have criminal cases pending in Kyrgyzstan. “There were human casualties in the cases of Atambayev and Bakiyev. Therefore, I think it is wrong if the parliament restores them to the status of ex-president,” Japarov said.

4 months ago

Gambling Legislation law

Kyrgyzstan Tightens Gambling Regulations

New rules and requirements for casinos have recently been introduced in a decree signed by Head of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, “On gambling activities in Kyrgyzstan.” In accordance with the document, all transactions taking place within casinos are to be recorded on video cameras installed at cash, currency exchange and registration desks, and all activities in gambling establishments must be filmed in real-time. Recordings must be accessible for at least one month and can be stored for up to three months. Under the new rules, slot machines can only be installed in casinos and gaming zones must be at least 200 square meters. The decree also states: “Bookmaker offices and totalizators can be opened based on a license to organize and conduct gambling in betting offices or totalizators located only in the casino." Gambling establishments have been banned in Kyrgyzstan since 2012. The situation then changed in 2022, when new authorities permitted the reintroduction of casinos, albeit confined to places designated for foreign citizens.

4 months ago

law Legislation Religion Traditions Cultural Heritage Clothes State

Kyrgyzstan Proposes Ban on Face Coverings

The State Commission on Religious Affairs of Kyrgyzstan has proposed several important initiatives to regulate religious activity in the country and in particular, a ban on face coverings that hinder citizen identification in state institutions and public places. The ban will not apply to protective masks, and a draft decree, carrying a proposed fine equivalent to 235 USD for violation of the law, has now been submitted for public discussion. In addition, the State Committee of Religion also proposes banning the distribution of religious literature and other materials in public places, residential premises, state and municipal institutions, and educational organizations. Recommendations have also been mooted to prohibit religious figures from foreign organizations from conducting ceremonies and events in nursing homes, correctional institutions, and military units without prior approval of the authorized body. A further proposal is the implementation of a ban on religious organizations' interference in the activities of public authorities and local self-government bodies, and on financing political parties by subjects of spiritual activity. Administrative liability is envisaged for violation of these prohibitions, the aim of which is to strengthen state control, and prevent abuse, of religious activity. Laws prohibiting face coverings are already in place in several countries. France and Belgium for example, have strict bans on burkas and niqabs in public places, and in Sri Lanka, similar measures have been introduced to combat religious extremism. In the Republic of Congo and Chad, such laws were imposed to improve security despite the low Muslim population. Post-Soviet countries have adopted similar laws but on a limited scale. Azerbaijan restricts religious dress in public institutions, whilst motivated by concern for national identity and the secular nature of the state, Tajikistan has imposed a law banning the hijab in public institutions and schools since 2017.

4 months ago

Celebrations Society Independence Day

Kyrgyzstan Celebrates Independence Day

On August 31 Kyrgyzstan celebrated the 33rd anniversary of its independence. Ala-Too Square in Bishkek hosted a gala concert featuring famous Kyrgyz and foreign artists, while President Sadyr Japarov addressed the nation. “We are a great nation with a strong spirit!", Japarov said. "That is why, on this day, we raise our flag high. Let our country reach new heights, and let the flag wave highly. May our independence never be threatened. I congratulate all of you on our Independence Day!” Japarov also played the komuz, a Kyrgyz string instrument. The centerpiece of the Independence Day celebrations was a drone show. In the sky above Ala-Too Square, drones created images of Kyrgyzstan, and portraits of national heroes and athletes. On August 31 festivities took place throughout the country. [caption id="attachment_22518" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] @president.kg[/caption] On August 31, 1991, Kyrgyzstan officially withdrew from the USSR and declared its independence. Economist Nurgul Akimova said Independence Day is not just a national holiday but a symbol of economic and political independence: “On this day, I reflect on how our country, having become independent, began to build its economic policy, focusing on the needs and opportunities of its people. Economic independence is not just freedom from external control but the ability to independently determine the trajectory of development. In the context of globalization, when small economies often face pressure from more powerful players, preserving sovereignty and independence requires competent management and a deep understanding of how to integrate into the global economic system profitably. This day reminds me of the importance of economic policies aimed at social equity and sustainable development. It prompts reflection on how our country can use its resources and potential to improve the lives of all citizens. Economic independence is not an end but a means to create a just society where everyone can realize their potential. Independence Day reminds us that economic stability and prosperity are impossible without responsible governance and transparent institutions. It is also a reason to consider integrating into global markets. Still, on terms that will contribute to Kyrgyzstan's long-term development, not just short-term gain". [caption id="attachment_22519" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] @president.kg[/caption] Civic activist Mars Cherikchiyev told The Times of Central Asia that Independence Day is about family security and confidence in the future of children. “I liked President Japarov's speech, which talked about Kyrgyzstan's achievements and plans for the future. Good work is being done in all sectors of the economy, and foreign investors see this. We are creating our infrastructure, opening regional airports, building internal roads, and cooperating with neighbors. We are gaining confidence for the future. Improving economic terms and general welfare for citizens is independence,” Cherikchiyev said. [caption id="attachment_22520" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] @president.kg[/caption]

4 months ago

Economy Legislation Insurance Society Quality of Life

Kyrgyzstan Introduces Law on Compulsory Home and Car Insurance

From September 2024, when re-registering cars, owners must provide a contract on compulsory civil liability insurance. The same applies to real estate. The law was adopted eight years ago, but has been delayed under public pressure. According to the State Insurance Organisation (SIO), the introductory amount of car insurance is 1,680 KGS ($20). The final amount will be affected by driving experience, driver age, and engine displacement. The legal department of the State Insurance Organization explained to The Times of Central Asia that a vehicle's insurance policy will be required when it is re-registered with the state authorities. “Employees of the State Insurance Organization are at the places of registration of motor vehicles throughout the country and will issue MTPL insurance policies on the spot. The average amount of MTPL insurance for passenger cars will range from 2,000 to 4,000 KGS ($25-45),” said Ulukbek Nishonov, head of the legal department of the State Insurance Organization. Fifteen private insurance organizations will also insure cars. The law on compulsory car insurance in Kyrgyzstan was adopted more than eight years ago. Nevertheless, no sanctions have been imposed for non-compliance with the law. Most Kyrgyz motorists considered compulsory insurance a “waste of money.” Now, the authorities have figured out how to force everyone to insure their cars, even those without insurance policies or car registration. At the same time, ordinary citizens will not be fined for the lack of insurance. Officials claim that compulsory insurance is a social project. It is worth noting that the law on compulsory real estate insurance also came into force on August 26, 2024. Here, just as in the case of car insurance, citizens will be obliged to insure their property against fire and natural disasters only when re-registering housing. In other cases, it can be done voluntarily. At the same time, the state holds a monopoly on residential property insurance.

4 months ago