Activists call for the protection of the akyn and an independent investigation
The Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan has sent an appeal to the government of the country requesting a response to the statement of akyn Askat Zhetigen, to protect him, and to organize an independent investigation into the situation that has arisen. In the appeal, activists mentioned President Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, Ombudsman Jamilya Jamangbaeva, Prosecutor General Maksat Asanaliev, head of the State Penitentiary Service Chyngyz Kozhoshev, and Minister of Justice Ayaz Bayetov.
The appeal states the following:
“Lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov published a letter from akyn Askat Zhetigen, which raises questions about possible facts of persecution, abuse, and corruption violations in institution No. 27 (village of Moldovanovka, Chui region).
Askat Zhetigen reports that after the visit of representatives of the Akikatchy (Ombudsman) of the Kyrgyz Republic and the announcement of information about the alleged violations in the colony, he faced pressure, including being placed in a punishment cell (SHIZO) on March 2, 2026, and threats from an employee of IK No. 27 named Ulan.
In his appeal, he also mentions possible facts of torture and other forms of cruel treatment, as well as corrupt actions by some employees of the penal system.
We strongly urge for an immediate, objective, and independent investigation into the presented facts. This investigation should cover not only the situation related to Askat Zhetigen but also the general conditions in institution No. 27, and, if necessary, in other places of detention.
Considering the possible risks of pressure on the applicant, potential witnesses, and the destruction of evidence, the Platform puts forward the following demands:
1. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, as the guarantor of the Constitution and human rights, should take control of the situation and ensure the immediate, objective, and independent investigation concerning not only Askat Zhetigen but also other convicts who may have faced pressure or cruel treatment for expressing their opinions, filing complaints, or cooperating with oversight bodies.
It is also important to ensure the safety of the applicant and potential witnesses, and if violations are confirmed, to take measures to hold the guilty officials accountable in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
2. The Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic:
• Register the presented information as grounds for conducting an investigation.
• Conduct a legal assessment of possible official crimes, abuse of power, obstruction of the right to appeal, as well as cases of torture or cruel treatment.
• The investigation should be comprehensive and procedurally formalized, covering not only IK No. 27 but also other institutions where similar violations may occur.
3. The Akikatchy (Ombudsman) of the Kyrgyz Republic:
• Organize an unscheduled monitoring visit to institution No. 27, and if necessary, to other places of detention.
• Conduct confidential conversations with Askat Zhetigen and other convicts without the presence of the administration.
• Document the conditions of detention and possible signs of pressure or violence.
• Prepare a public conclusion with recommendations for state bodies.
4. The State Penitentiary Service must:
• Ensure immediate and unhindered access for the lawyer to Askat Zhetigen and other potential applicants.
• Guarantee confidentiality of communication with the defender.
• Conduct an independent medical examination documenting the state of health.
• Preserve all documentation and materials, including SHIZO logs, reports, acts, video recordings, etc.
• Prohibit any measures of influence on the applicant and potential witnesses until the investigation is completed.
During the investigation, consideration should be given to suspending the employees mentioned in the appeal from direct interaction with the applicant and potential witnesses.
5. The Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Cabinet of Ministers:
• Ensure coordination and control of inter-agency execution.
• Conduct a legal assessment of possible facts of illegal collection of funds and other manifestations of corruption.
Systemic measures to prevent reprisals for filing complaints:
• Create secure channels for filing complaints (confidential communication with the Ombudsman and the prosecutor's office without administrative oversight).
• Mandatory video recording of key areas and procedures with clearly established storage and access protocols.
• Regular unscheduled visits by monitoring groups ensuring complete confidentiality of interviews.
• Establish personal responsibility for the management of the institution for any forms of pressure on applicants and witnesses, including coercion to provide "convenient" testimonies.
It should be emphasized: 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 conditions of detention, applying disciplinary measures, or other forms of pressure.
Any attempts to punish for the exercise of these rights should be regarded as a gross violation of the law and subject to effective investigation," the Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan noted.
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