In his interview, President Sadyr Japarov spoke about the preparation of large-scale reforms in the law enforcement agencies.
— Hello, Sadyr Nurgozhoevich. In this interview, we would like to discuss the status of the GKNB as a state body.
Previously, both during the Soviet Union and under previous leadership, many did not have a clear understanding of the work of the KGB. Recently, criticism has been directed at the GKNB, indicating that some of its employees inappropriately display their IDs, undermining the reputation of the "chekists." Are you aware of such opinions in society?
— Yes, I have heard about this. I have repeatedly raised this issue with my friend: "We need to raise the authority of the GKNB. It should be on par with the KGB of the USSR. Otherwise, some, presenting themselves as GKNB employees, show their IDs even in questionable places. This needs to stop." I have emphasized this thought multiple times.
— We are observing cases of detention of individual GKNB employees for violations of the law and crimes. Is this related to excessive powers? It seems that the special service has intervened in many areas — from construction violations to regulating meat prices and combating prostitution.
— On the day the video about "combating prostitution" was released, I immediately called the employees and said: "Pass this to the Ministry of Internal Affairs — it is their competence. We should not lower the level of the GKNB."
As for employees involved in corruption, investigative actions are currently underway. I cannot disclose details.
— Recently, you excluded the Border Service and the Security Service from the GKNB. Tell us more about the upcoming reforms. What areas will be prioritized? Will the function of combating economic crimes and corruption remain?
— We are planning major reforms in the law enforcement agencies. I intended to start them earlier, but for various reasons, this was postponed. Now, I hope we will begin soon.
The GKNB will focus exclusively on its core tasks: intelligence, counterintelligence, protection of the constitutional order, combating terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and other threats to national security.
Investigative powers in these areas will remain with them. They will not interfere in economic matters. No one should know exactly what the GKNB is doing and who its employees are.
After the reform, it will be a real special service — modeled after the former KGB.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs will also focus solely on its functions. Investigative powers in relevant areas will be retained.
A list of powers will be created and enshrined in law.
A new Investigative Committee is being formed — all investigative functions will be transferred to it. The General and Military Prosecutor's Offices will oversee legality.
Why is the Investigative Committee being created? We must think about the future and the sustainability of the system.
What is the situation at the moment?
In the GKNB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are units for operational investigative activities and investigators who report to one minister.
Suppose an operative is conducting a case unlawfully — for example, someone is being "framed" and arrested. The investigator may refuse to accept such a case, considering it unfounded. But then the minister can call and order to initiate a criminal case. As a result, the investigator finds himself subordinate.
Therefore, today, cases of injustice, unfortunately, are not uncommon.
The Investigative Committee will report directly to the president. It will be able to refuse to accept unfounded materials from operatives or the minister and deny the initiation of cases.
Thus, citizens who have become victims of injustice will be released rather than detained. This is the only way to ensure the protection of human rights — if not 100%, then 95%. This will ensure safety for future generations.
The same principle will apply to economic cases: if a crime has indeed been committed — punishment will follow; if the case is fabricated — the person will be released. Two independent bodies, not subordinate to each other, will be able to make more justified decisions.
These transformations are a matter of the future. Necessary buildings and technical infrastructure will be prepared. Soon, a decree will be issued, and relevant bills will be submitted to the Jogorku Kenesh; after discussion and adoption, organizational work will begin.
This year, the SCO summit and the Games of Nomads will take place, so we will start implementing the reform next year.
