Digitalization is no longer just a trendy topic; it is an important aspect of state policy that affects efficiency, trust, and fairness. The Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic recognizes this, and here digital technologies are becoming a tool to reduce bureaucracy for both citizens and the system itself. Deputy Minister of Justice Iskender Sydygaliev spoke to VB.KG about how technology is transforming the legal sphere.
Digital Notary: Moving Away from Paper and Human Factors
One of the most significant steps has been the complete digitalization of notarial services. Previously, notaries were associated with numerous paper documents and manual form filling, which created opportunities for fraud. Now, all operations are carried out within a unified information system.
This is not only convenient but also eliminates opportunities for corruption and manipulation, as every action is recorded in the system. The process becomes transparent and uniform for all clients, regardless of their status or region.
Business Registration: No Need to Visit a Government Office
The Ministry of Justice is implementing electronic registration for legal entities in stages, starting with limited liability companies. A successful pilot project has led to an expansion of the list of organizational and legal forms; now, it is also possible to open a joint-stock company online.
Now, personal presence in the justice authorities is not required for business registration. It is enough to prepare the documents, upload them to the Ministry of Justice portal, sign them with an electronic signature, and wait for a response within the specified time.
In the future, a similar process is planned for the registration of farms and peasant households.
Electronic Monitoring: More Humane and Safe
One of the most progressive initiatives has been the introduction of electronic monitoring as a preventive measure.
This approach allows a person subject to this measure to remain free with established restrictions. The boundaries of movement are determined by the court, investigator, or prosecutor, and monitoring is conducted around the clock using electronic bracelets and a mobile application with Face ID functionality.
Since June 2024, more than 630 decisions have been made regarding the use of this measure. This means that hundreds of people have remained outside of investigative isolation, which also helps reduce the financial burden on the budget.
Moreover, these devices do not stigmatize individuals—they look like ordinary smartwatches.
Protecting Victims of Violence with Technology
In October of last year, President Sadyr Japarov approved amendments to the Code of Offenses and the Law "On Protection from Domestic Violence." Now, electronic monitoring serves as a tool to protect victims of domestic violence. In case of a threat, one of the spouses can be equipped with a bracelet, and the victim is provided with a mobile application. If the offender approaches a dangerous distance, the system immediately alerts the authorities.
In Bishkek, the first results of electronic monitoring in domestic violence cases have already been obtained. This pilot project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the General Prosecutor's Office, the Supreme Court, and the Probation Department. Currently, electronic monitoring is being applied in 18 cases.
It is important to note that the law is applied equally to all, regardless of gender, which is a significant step towards real protection mechanisms.
One-Click Apostille
Another convenient solution has been the introduction of electronic apostilles. Now, citizens do not need to stand in line: documents can be uploaded to the Ministry of Justice portal, paid online, and the apostille will be issued in electronic form with a QR code. This is especially relevant in conditions of mobility.
Myizam.kg: Laws in Accessible Language
The updated database of regulatory legal acts myizam.kg is another step towards "human-centered" law. The interface has become more user-friendly, documents are grouped by categories, and searching does not require special legal knowledge.
In the future, the database should become not just an archive of laws, but a real navigator helping people in difficult situations not only to learn the law but also to receive recommendations on further actions.
Court Proceedings Recorded on Video
The Ministry of Justice has also initiated mandatory audio and video recording of court proceedings. The law, signed by President Sadyr Japarov, will come into effect on August 23, 2025, for criminal cases, and on January 1, 2026, for civil and administrative cases. This will increase the transparency of judicial procedures, making them a mandatory standard.
Moreover, filing claims, exchanging documents, and participating in hearings can occur in digital format, which is especially important for residents of remote areas. Online broadcasts of court sessions are also provided with the consent of the parties, except for cases related to state secrets or private life.
Digital Evidence: A Response to Modern Challenges
Complex modern crimes, including fraud and cybercrime, leave digital traces. The Ministry of Justice is working on the implementation of the institution of digital evidence. This is a complex but necessary reform that will close a significant gap in criminal law after the relevant law is adopted and training is organized for investigators and prosecutors.
Digitalization as a Management Principle
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that digitalization is not an end in itself, but a means to simplify the lives of citizens, reduce the burden on government bodies, and increase trust in the system.
"If we strive to make life easier for both ourselves and citizens, then nothing better than automating processes has been invented by humanity so far," concludes Iskender Sydygaliev.
According to him, the key motivator is the results: when changes begin to take effect in real life, they cease to be abstract reforms.
