Poet Askhat Zhetigen, currently in colony No. 27, has become a victim of cruel treatment and threats after reporting corruption and violations in the institution to representatives of the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic. He sent a letter to his lawyer Nurbek Akbar asking to publicize the situation and ensure protection. According to him, pressure from a prison officer named Ulan began immediately after the commission's visit. Human rights activist Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova shared this information via social media.
In his letter, Askhat describes that on March 2, 2026, the head of the operational department, Ulan, placed him in solitary confinement (SHIZO) without any legal grounds. When he asked about the reasons, Ulan stated that he would "return him to his previous harsh living conditions" and made a false accusation of "agitating the inmates."
Askhat insists that this accusation is unfounded, as he has never supported the criminal world, which is known to all. He also noted that the officer who drafted the report about his placement in SHIZO could not specify a concrete reason for the violation.
In the poet's opinion, the true reason for his persecution is his desire to disclose facts of corruption by the colony administration:
Since April 2025, the staff of the institution have been misusing coal allocated for heating. Four times a week, they heat the bathhouse for themselves, starting from the evening until morning. These abuses have become the norm for a year.
Additionally, a fee of 2000 soms has been established for visiting the gym, which limits the rights of inmates to engage in sports, while staff use the gym without restrictions.
Repairs of the heads' offices and certain areas of the dining room, kitchen, bathhouse, mosque, and gym have been carried out at the expense of money collected from the inmates.
Last week, representatives of the Ombudsman conducted an inspection of the colony. Askhat opened their eyes to the facts of violations; however, Ulan attempted to conceal the offenses, leading to a verbal altercation. The intervention of the Ombudsman representative helped stop his unlawful actions.
Ulan is known for his cruel behavior. Before the arrival of commissions, inmates are forced to assert that "everything is fine," and those who speak the truth face beatings and humiliation. Staff effectively torture inmates, and many are afraid to speak out.
The day after the Ombudsman's visit, Ulan gathered all the inmates and threatened them, stating: "The commission is leaving, and you will stay with me! I will show you who is the boss in this house!" After that, direct pressure and threats began.
Askhat views his placement in SHIZO as revenge for his courage in exposing the violations. At the moment, his rights are also being violated—he is not allowed to go to lunch and is kept outside in the rain for over an hour.
In light of the above, he implores his lawyer to urgently publicize information about the violations and initiate actions from law enforcement agencies for his protection and assistance." - says the poet's letter.
