Lawyers for Kanyshai Mamyrkulova expressed the opinion that the elements of the crime under the article "Calls for mass riots" were not proven and insist on her innocence. Nevertheless, the defense is satisfied that the court recognized her innocence under another article.
On March 20, 2025, journalist Kanyshai Mamyrkulova was detained on charges of "Calls for mass riots" and "Incitement of racial, ethnic, national, religious, and interregional hostility" according to the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Among those who supported Mamyrkulova were journalists and human rights organizations, who sent an open letter to the president and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the arrest threatens her health and violates her right to freedom of speech.
The October District Court of Bishkek had previously sentenced Kanyshai Mamyrkulova to six years in prison with a probation period of four years, during which she is prohibited from publishing materials on social media and leaving her home from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
