The pluralism of the Kyrgyz media is still exceptional in Central Asia but the polarization of Kyrgyz society is reflected in the media and the environment for journalists. There is still a great deal of self-censorship on certain subjects, such as inter-ethnic relations, and the grounds for concern are growing. Astronomic fines have been imposed for “insulting” the president, accompanied by asset freezes and travels bans. Totally disproportionate sanctions were imposed on several critical media outlets in 2017: the leading news website Ferghana was blocked, the Zanoza website was stripped of the right to use its name and the Sentyabr TV channel was closed. A campaign by Kyrgyz civil society would help to halt the decline.