The President signed a decree to establish the State Protection Service based on the 9th service of the State National Security Committee (GKNB), which will report directly to the head of state and be responsible for the protection of facilities and individuals. On that day, a decision was also made to withdraw the Border Service from the GKNB.
What changes are expected for the GKNB of the Kyrgyz Republic in the near future and in the long term was discussed with Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov in an interview for VB.KG here.
— Congratulations on your appointment! What reforms do you think should be carried out?
— Thank you. As you noted, large-scale structural reforms are underway in the national security system of the Kyrgyz Republic. The main goal is to create a mobile and professional structure capable of effectively responding to national security challenges in the context of a changing international environment.
The reforms are being implemented in stages, taking into account legislation and state priorities. Structural changes have already been realized, and now the GKNB operates separately without the Border Service and state security structures. As for organizational reforms, they include optimizing personnel numbers, redistributing responsibilities, and enhancing analytical work. Special attention is paid to discipline and the moral and spiritual training of employees.
As part of the reforms, the GKNB of the Kyrgyz Republic will focus on traditional methods of operational and analytical work, as well as on depoliticization, to free the structure from the influence of political parties and ideologies.
The next step will be the professionalization of the structure, where professional qualities will be more important than political loyalty. In the future, the GKNB will combat manifestations of tribalism and regionalism, and appointments will be based solely on professionalism.
The reform of the GKNB also implies a transition from outdated methods to modern legal approaches to ensuring security. It is necessary to eliminate intimidation and create a modern service that meets the requirements of the time.
The President noted that a lot has been done in the fight against corruption in recent years; however, this has largely been due to the personal initiative of leaders. The reform implies a shift to a more systematic approach to anti-corruption policy.
— What are the main functions of the GKNB? Some citizens believe that the agency controls all aspects of life in the country.
— The GKNB works to prevent the intelligence activities of foreign special services, combats terrorism, extremism, corruption, and organized crime, ensures information security, and protects the constitutional order.
The term "curator" is misunderstood; it refers to an employee who represents national security interests in specific processes.
The GKNB operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution and laws of the Kyrgyz Republic, which excludes any unlawful interference in business and other areas.
— Are you sure you will not replace tax and audit authorities?
— I will do everything possible to ensure that the activities of the GKNB are based on the principles of legality and transparency. All units have been instructed not to interfere in business. We must ensure economic security based on trust.
— Regarding the president's directive on combating crime, is work being done without "mask shows"?
— I am also against "mask shows." The activities of special services should remain confidential. Investigations into former GKNB employees suspected of exceeding their authority are being conducted jointly with the prosecutor's office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, strictly within the framework of the law.
It is also important to note that the fight against corruption will continue unwaveringly, and results in this area will be required constantly.
— What is your stance on the blocking of TikTok and what challenges could this lead to?
— We must counter information threats and cybercrime. The TikTok platform contains content that can negatively affect children and adolescents. The blockage was implemented for reasons related to the protection of the health and development of youth.
The GKNB monitors social networks to identify destructive content that may threaten the mental well-being of children.
— Can we hope for the cleansing of the GKNB from unscrupulous employees?
— I will do everything possible for this. Offenders have already been removed from their positions, and their actions will be assessed legally. In the future, there will be no untouchables in government agencies; everyone who commits unlawful acts will be held accountable before the law.
The GKNB will continue its lawful fight against corruption and organized crime, without the use of "mask shows." The reform aims to adapt to modern challenges, improve intelligence work, and ensure the security of the country.
