The Sverdlovsk District Court of Bishkek became the first place where an online broadcast of court sessions took place, including the consideration of a criminal case related to domestic violence. The broadcast was conducted on the official YouTube channel of the "Supreme Court," as reported by the press service of the Supreme Court.
Among those present at the event were Aman Jumaliev, Deputy Head of the Supreme Court Apparatus, and Aibek Aydarov, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Recently, amendments were made to the Criminal Procedure Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, introducing the terms "video conferencing" and "online broadcast of court sessions." These changes grant defendants and other participants in the process the right to familiarize themselves with the minutes of the sessions, as well as with audio and video recordings, and to make comments on them. There is also now the possibility to submit petitions for holding sessions using video communication or broadcasting them live via television, radio, or the internet.
According to the new regulations, the court has the right, upon the request of the participants in the case or on its own initiative, to permit the broadcasting of court sessions in real-time via television, radio, and the internet. This is done to safeguard the interests of justice, ensure transparency, and protect the safety of all participants in the process. An 18th clause was added to Article 46, which allows participants to petition for court hearings to be conducted using online broadcasts. Additionally, a 5th clause was added to the third part of Article 280, permitting broadcasting in the media or on the internet in an online format.
According to Article 290-1 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, the court may allow the broadcasting of sessions in real-time upon the request of participants or on its own initiative. The decision on the possibility of broadcasting is determined by the court, taking into account the interests of justice, transparency, and the safety of participants. These measures aim to enhance the transparency of justice, strengthen public trust in the judicial system, and improve legal awareness among the population. They allow for remote observation of court proceedings, discipline participants, and contribute to reducing bureaucracy and improving access to justice.
