The Ombudsman's Subordinates Struggled to Enter the Foreigners' Detention Center. And Here's What They Saw
The center is located on the premises of a former military unit in Gansi, not far from the "Manas" airport.
Jamambaeva strongly urged government agencies to comply with the Constitutional Law "On the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic" and not to obstruct the activities of her institute's employees.
Institute staff were twice denied access to the Temporary Detention Center, which, according to her, contradicts the law that guarantees unhindered entry to places of forced detention and establishes liability for denying such access.
The Ombudsman’s institute considers the repeated denials a troubling signal indicating possible rights violations at the center.It was reported that on October 28 of last year, institute employees arrived to monitor the compliance with the rights of detainees, but they were denied access. As a result, a report was drawn up and sent to the General Prosecutor's Office. The military prosecutor's office, in turn, initiated a presentation on the need to eliminate violations.
Ultimately, a disciplinary fine was imposed on the responsible person for this violation.Only on November 3, 2025, was the institute able to conduct monitoring at the center.
The inspection revealed serious deficiencies in the conditions of detention and the observance of the rights of foreign citizens.
At the time of the inspection, there were 160 people in the center. The sanitary and hygiene conditions were deemed unsatisfactory. The toilets in the building were closed, and only three portable toilets were installed outside.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
According to reports, the building itself consists of two blocks that lack heating. Air conditioners are installed in the rooms, but they only function in four rooms, while the others remain cold. The showers, located outside, are constructed in a makeshift manner resembling tents.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
Photo from the press service of the Ombudsman’s institute.
Moreover, detainees prepare food outside, despite the presence of a designated cook.
This indicates that the responsible persons are not fulfilling their duties to ensure proper nutrition.Foreigners are also deprived of access to legal assistance and means of communication, as their mobile phones have been confiscated, and the use of other means of communication is prohibited. "Detainees cannot contact lawyers, relatives, and interpreters," notes the ombudsman, emphasizing that this violates their rights under Article 61 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and Article 13-1 of the Law "On Guaranteed State Legal Assistance".
Following the monitoring, an official appeal was sent to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic with proposals for comprehensive measures to address the identified problems.
In December 2025, the institute received an appeal from the detainees' lawyers, after which staff again went to the center.
However, this time they were also denied a meeting with the applicants and conducting monitoring. At the checkpoint, additional permission was required. As a result, a report was drawn up and sent to the General Prosecutor's Office.
In this regard, the Ombudsman’s institute appealed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs requesting measures to be taken against officials obstructing the lawful activities of the ombudsman and to ensure transparency in the operations of the Temporary Detention Center.
Related materials:
