25/09/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 24 September, the EU expressed its concern about restrictions on the freedom of peaceful assembly and information in Kyrgyzstan during the tenth round of the annual human rights dialogue. The Kyrgyz authorities must maintain and protect an open media environment, an “important factor” for the holding of free, competitive and transparent parliamentary elections on 4 October, stressed the representatives of the European External Action Service, according to a press release. The EU also reiterated its concern about controversial legislative initiatives, including on trade unions, non-commercial organisations, manipulation of information and the revision of the Criminal Procedure Code, which could be contrary to Kyrgyzstan's obligations under relevant international conventions. The EU was also concerned about the sharp increase in gender-based and domestic violence during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. (CG)