CCPR/C/KGZ/CO/2 a transparent, open and fair registration process for religious organizations and eliminating distinctions among religions that may lead to discrimination. The State party should take measures, including through public statements and awarenessraising campaigns, to promote religious tolerance and condemn any act of religious intolerance and hatred. The State party should also investigate all cases of violence based on religion, prosecute perpetrators and compensate victims. The right to conscientious objection 23. The Committee reiterates its previous concerns (CCPR/CO/69/KGZ, para. 18) about the limiting of conscientious objection to military service only to members of registered religious organizations whose teaching prohibits the use of arms and the stipulation of a shorter period of military and alternative service for persons with higher education. The Committee notes the State party’s initiative to amend the Law on Universal Conscription of Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic on Military and Alternative Service (arts. 2, 18 and 26). The State party should ensure that amendments to the Law on Universal Conscription of Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, on Military and Alternative Service provide for conscientious objections in a manner consistent with articles 18 and 26 of the Covenant, bearing in mind that article 18 also protects freedom of conscience of nonbelievers. It should also stipulate periods of military and alternative service on a nondiscriminatory basis. Freedom of expression 24. The Committee expresses concern at reports of persecution of human rights defenders, journalists and other individuals for expressing their opinion, in particular opinions that are critical of State institutions in relation to the June 2010 events. The Committee is also concerned about reports of pressure on individuals and organizations that have provided information to the Committee (art. 19). The State party should ensure that journalists, human rights defenders and other individuals are able to freely exercise their right to freedom of expression, in accordance with article 19 of the Covenant and the Committee’s general comment no. 34 (2011) on the freedoms of opinion and expression. Furthermore, the State party should ensure that threats, intimidation and violence against human rights defenders and journalists are investigated, that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished, if convicted, and that victims are provided with compensation. The State party should ensure that all individuals or organizations can freely provide information to the Committee and should protect them against any reprisals for providing such information. Freedom of association The Committee notes reports of possible restrictions on non-governmental organizations in several legislative proposals, including restrictive reporting obligations to State authorities in the draft bill on Fighting against Legalization (Laundering) of Criminal Revenue and Financing Terrorist or Extremist Activity (art. 2, 22 and 26). 25. The State party should ensure freedom of association, in accordance with article 22 of the Covenant, and refrain from imposing disproportionate or discriminatory restrictions on the freedom of association. 7