In its document, the platform emphasizes that the issue at hand concerns not the essence of the accusation, but the procedural aspect — the decision to accept the petition for consideration. This stage will be crucial for the possibility of further reviewing the case in light of new facts.
The journalist's defense relies on the findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which recognized the imprisonment of Mahabat Tajibek kyzy as arbitrary and incompatible with Kyrgyzstan's international obligations. This conclusion mentions violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and highlights the connection between the criminal prosecution and Tajibek kyzy's professional activities.
The media platform notes that the international legal assessment represents a new and significant circumstance that should be taken into account by the courts when deciding on the review of the case. It calls on the Supreme Court to ensure transparency, openness, and objectivity in the process. The appeal also mentions the humanitarian aspect of the situation, as the journalist is a mother of a minor child.
The organization clarifies that the acceptance of the petition for consideration does not predetermine the final decision but guarantees the right to a fair trial. They expressed their readiness to continue expert monitoring of processes related to the rights of journalists and freedom of speech.
It should be noted that on January 16, 2024, mass arrests took place in Kyrgyzstan, during which 11 people associated with the journalistic projects Temirov LIVE and "Ait, Ait dese" were detained. The journalists were accused of "inciting mass riots" in connection with their professional activities.
On October 10, 2024, the Lenin District Court of Bishkek sentenced Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, the head of Temirov LIVE, to 6 years in prison.
On December 18, 2024, the Bishkek City Court upheld the guilty verdict.
On February 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan left the sentence unchanged.
