In Bishkek, 11 journalists from various editorial offices have been ordered to pre-trial detention until March 13, 2024, following a decision by the Pervomaisky District Court. The judges responsible for this determination are Tilek Turdukulov, Turatbek Bekenov, and Miran Shermatov.
This development follows extensive searches conducted on January 16 at the residences of journalists affiliated with publications such as “Ait Ait Dese,” “PolitKlinika,” and “Archa Media.” The detained journalists include Mahabat Tazhibek kyzy (director of Temirov Live), Sapar Akunbekov (“Ait ait dese”), Azamat Ishenbekov (akyn “Ait ait dese”), Saipidin Sultanaliev (Archa Media), Aktilek Kaparov (Alga Media), Tynystan Asypbekov (“PolitKlinika”), Maksat Tazhibek uulu (Temirov Live), Zhoodar Buzumov (Nur Press), Zhumabek Turdaliev (former project manager at Temirov Live), Aike Beyshekeeva (Temirov Live – investigative journalist), and Akyl Orozbekov (Temirov Live operator).
Furthermore, a search was conducted at the Temirov Live office.
The investigative service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic has initiated a criminal case under Article 278, specifically addressing “Mass riots” and “Calls for active disobedience to the legal demands of government officials and for mass riots, as well as calls for violence against citizens” under part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. Following interrogations, all detained individuals have been placed in a temporary detention facility.
