Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova, human rights activist, shared a letter from the imprisoned journalist
Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, an imprisoned journalist, wrote a letter from her place of detention. This document was published on the Telegram channel of human rights activist Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova.
Lawyer Asel Argymbaeva recently visited Makhabat, conveying words of support and thanking her for her attention to her situation. Since her arrest, Makhabat has received numerous letters of support from around the world, and although many of those who sent them do not know her personally, they strive to express solidarity. She noted that all letters reach her, but unfortunately, she cannot respond to each one.
The human rights activist emphasized: "I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supports Makhabat, her son, and her family. I remind you that on March 10 at 10:45, there will be a hearing in the Supreme Court regarding Makhabat's case, related to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention."
From Makhabat's letter from women's colony No. 2:
“Hello, dear friends!
I have been in prison for two years now…
After all the trials I have gone through, I decided to write to you.
During this time, I have faced many difficulties: intrigues, discrediting, and even setups from other inmates and some staff members. They hoped that by breaking me, they would receive a reward from the government.
Nevertheless, I have tried my best not to break. There were days when I felt very lonely, and it was your letters that inspired and gave me strength to continue fighting.
You have been the support that helped me move forward.
The two years I have spent here have taught me not to be afraid, but to face my fears boldly. I have learned to overcome difficulties, emerging from them with minimal losses.
I have become more sociable and am learning to adapt to any situation.
I cannot say that all the inmates or staff at the facility are bad. Among them are kind, responsive people who have supported me.
The administration of the colony has provided me with the opportunity to develop creatively: I can draw, play the national instrument komuz, and sing. Conditions have been created for this.
Also, at my request, the library was updated with quality literature.
Right now, I feel good because I have gone through a harsh school of life and passed the exam with "excellent." I am surrounded by care and attention. What will happen next — time will tell.
Looking back, I realize that I needed to go through this path here. The lessons I have learned cannot be obtained anywhere else.
I have hardened like steel: I bent, but did not break.
Reflecting on everything, I realized that I am grateful not only to my friends and like-minded people but also to those who are the reason for my being here.
I am immensely grateful to my mother, husband, brothers, and everyone who cares about me. Your love and support give me incredible strength. Take care of yourselves and me.
Respectfully, your Makhabat Tajibek kyzy.”
Let us remind you that Makhabat Tajibek kyzy was detained in January 2024 along with ten employees of Temirov Live. They were charged with organizing mass riots.
On February 25, 2025, the judicial panel of the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan reviewed the appeal of three of the detained journalists and upheld the decision of the previous instance: Makhabat Tajibek kyzy was sentenced to six years in prison, Azamat Ishenbekov to five years, and Aike Beishikeeva was given three years of probation.
The Bishkek City Court sentenced Aktilek Kaparov to three years of probation; he did not appeal this decision. The other seven defendants in the case were acquitted due to lack of evidence of a crime.
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