The authorities of Kyrgyzstan have followed in Rahmon’s footsteps

The authorities of Kyrgyzstan have detained 11 journalists on charges of inciting unrest.

According to the KLOOP website, on January 16, police conducted searches at the offices of Temirov Live and sealed the publication’s office. A total of 11 journalists were detained, and smartphones and laptops were confiscated from their homes. The project leader was also taken for questioning. Law enforcement officials also removed equipment and documents from the office.

Among those detained for 48 hours were journalists Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, Sapar Akunbekov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliyev, Aktilek Kaparov, Tynystan Asypbekov, Maksat Tajibek uulu, Zhoodar Buzumov, Jumabek Turdaliev, Aike Beyshekeeva, and Akyl Orozbekov.

It is reported that these journalists were current and former employees of the projects “Ayt Ayt Dese” and Temirov Live.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that mass searches were conducted as part of a criminal case initiated under the article “Calls for mass unrest.”

According to the agency, on December 30, 2023, police, while monitoring the internet, found information on the pages of “Ayt Ayt Dese” and Temirov Live that called for mass unrest. The specific publication in question is currently unknown.

This article provides for a punishment of imprisonment for a term of 5 to 8 years.

Journalist Bolot Temirov stated that the editorial office did not call for unrest in its materials. The head of the Temirov Live project, Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, stated that the searches in their office were related to journalists’ materials about the Minister of Internal Affairs Ulanbek Niyazbekov and Deputy Nadiru Narmatov. The specific materials in question are unknown.

Additionally, on January 15, employees of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan conducted a search at the office of the news agency 24.kg. The general director and editors-in-chief were taken for questioning. Editorial equipment and personal phones of employees were confiscated. The State Committee for National Security reported that the search at the 24.kg office was conducted as part of a criminal case under the article “Propaganda of war” of the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan, and the management of 24.kg is being treated as witnesses in the case.

Several members of the Kyrgyz parliament reacted to the detentions and searches, noting that the actions of law enforcement negatively affect freedom of speech and democratic processes in the country.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, expressed concern over the searches, stating that “such criminal investigations can have a chilling effect on media freedom and the coverage of important issues of public interest in the country.”

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee, Human Rights Watch, the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Civil Rights Defenders, and the Committee to Protect Journalists also expressed their concern and condemned the searches at journalists’ homes and their detention.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also reacted to the detentions and searches, calling on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to protect freedom of expression and ensure that media legislation complies with international human rights standards.

In Kyrgyzstan, which is considered the most democratic country in Central Asia, journalists have begun to be detained and interrogated. In Tajikistan, under the leadership of Emomali Rahmon, such events have been occurring for several years.