Recall that lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov previously published a letter from the convicted individual, in which Zhetigen claims that after a visit from representatives of the akiykatchi and discussions about violations and corruption in the colony, he was subjected to pressure. He mentions that on March 2, 2026, he was placed in a punishment isolation cell (PICS) and threatened by an officer named Ulan.
In his appeal, the akyn also reports potential facts of torture and other forms of cruel treatment, as well as manifestations of corruption by some employees of the penal system.
Considering the possible threats to the applicant, witnesses, and the destruction of evidence, the platform calls for the following actions:
1. To the President of Kyrgyzstan:
• to take control of this situation and ensure an operational, objective, and independent investigation of the reported facts not only concerning Askat Zhetigen but also other convicted individuals who may have faced pressure or repression for their complaints and cooperation with oversight bodies;
• to guarantee the safety of the applicant and potential witnesses, and in case of confirmed violations — to initiate accountability for those responsible in accordance with the law.
2. To the Attorney General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic:
• to register the information as grounds for an investigation;
• to conduct a legal examination regarding possible official crimes, abuse of power, and use of torture;
• to ensure a comprehensive and procedurally formalized investigation in IK No. 27 and other facilities where similar incidents may have occurred.
3. To the Akiykatchi:
• to organize an unscheduled monitoring visit to facility No. 27 and, if necessary, to other places of deprivation of liberty;
• to conduct confidential conversations with Askat Zhetigen and other convicts without the presence of the administration;
• to document the conditions of detention and any signs of pressure or violence;
• to prepare a public conclusion with recommendations for government bodies.
4. To the State Penitentiary Service:
• to ensure immediate access for the lawyer to Askat Zhetigen and other potential applicants;
• to guarantee the confidentiality of communication with the defender;
• to organize an independent medical examination with documentation of health status;
• to preserve all documentation, including PICS logs, reports, and video recordings;
• to prohibit any measures of influence on the applicant and witnesses until the investigation is completed.
During the investigation, it is necessary to consider the possibility of suspending the employees mentioned in the appeal from interacting with the applicant and potential witnesses.
5. To the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Cabinet of Ministers:
- to ensure coordination and control over the implementation of the specified measures;
- to conduct a legal assessment of possible facts of corruption;
- to create secure channels for filing complaints;
- to ensure video recording of key areas with regulated access;
- to conduct regular unscheduled visits by monitoring groups with guaranteed confidentiality;
- to establish personal responsibility of the management of institutions for pressure on applicants and witnesses.
It is important to note that the freedom of expression and the right to appeal to oversight bodies are protected by the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and international obligations. These rights cannot serve as grounds for worsening the conditions of detention or for the application of disciplinary measures.
Any attempts to punish individuals for exercising these rights should be regarded as a serious violation of the law and subject to thorough investigation.
Askat Zhetigen is a well-known akyn and activist sentenced to three years in prison for calls to mass unrest. A criminal case against him was initiated in March 2024 following his criticism of the authorities on social media.
