Kamila Talieva: 95% of complaints about torture do not lead to criminal cases. How does this happen?

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on January 15, Deputy Kamila Talieva raised the issue that almost 90% of complaints about torture in Kyrgyzstan do not lead to the initiation of criminal cases.

During the second reading of amendments to the Criminal Code, which expand the circle of individuals subject to liability for torture, Talieva referred to data from the National Report of Kyrgyzstan.

She emphasized that in 2023, 124 cases of torture were registered, and in 2024, 151 cases, indicating a growing problem. It is alarming that in 2023, criminal cases were refused in 102 out of 124 cases, and in 2024, out of 151 cases, 143 cases were suspended. "How can such figures be explained?" the deputy exclaimed.

Umutkan Konkubaeva, Deputy Attorney General, reported that recently, almost no criminal cases have been initiated regarding torture. In 2025, 43 complaints were received, but only one case, related to the Issyk-Kul region, was confirmed, leading to the initiation of a criminal case. The other complaints were not confirmed during investigations.

Talieva asked, "Thus, 90-95% of complaints do not reach the stage of criminal cases. Is this due to complaints being withdrawn under pressure or threats?"

Erkebek Ashirkhodzhaev, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted that surveillance cameras have now been installed in closed institutions, which, along with other measures, has contributed to a reduction in the level of torture.