Askhat Zhetigen, an akyn from Kyrgyzstan currently in colony No. 27, reported instances of abuse, as well as threats and unlawful transfer to a punishment cell after he approached representatives of the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic with complaints about alleged violations and corruption within the institution. In his letter to lawyer Nurbek Akbar, he requests attention to his situation and protection. Zhetigen claims that pressure from a prison staff member named Ulan began immediately after the commission's visit. This was reported by human rights activist Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova, citing a post on social media.
The statement attached to Askhat's letter reads:
“Dear lawyer!
I am writing to you regarding the unlawful actions of the staff of colony No. 27. On March 2, 2026, the head of the operational department, Ulan, without any grounds, placed me in a punishment cell. When I asked him about the reasons, he replied that he would 'return me to my previous harsh living conditions' and also made a false accusation that I was allegedly 'agitating the convicts'.
This statement is completely untrue. I have never supported criminal elements, and this is known to everyone. It is important to note that the staff member who drafted the act regarding my placement in the punishment cell could not even specify the reason in the document.
I believe that the real reason for my persecution is the disclosure of numerous violations by the administration:
Since April 2025, the coal allocated for heating the living quarters of the convicts has been misused by the staff. At least four times a week, from evening until morning, they heat the bathhouse for their own leisure. This 'free' behavior has been ongoing for a whole year.
Additionally, a fee of 2000 soms has been established for visiting the gym, which restricts the convicts' rights to engage in sports. Meanwhile, the staff uses the gym without any restrictions, including during working hours.
The offices of the squad leaders and some areas of the dining room, kitchen, bathhouse, mosque, and gym have been renovated with funds collected from the convicts.
Last week, representatives of the Ombudsman (Akıykatçı) arrived at the colony to check its activities. I openly informed them about the aforementioned facts of violations by the staff. During the conversation, the head of the operational service, Ulan, attempted to conceal the violations, which led to a verbal altercation between us. The intervention of the Ombudsman representative helped stop his unlawful actions.
This staff member is known for his rude behavior and cruelty. Every time before the arrival of commissions, the convicts are forced to assert that 'everything is fine'. Those who try to speak the truth face severe beatings, humiliation, and placement in the punishment cell, as well as coercion to hard and dirty work. The staff effectively tortures and mocks the inmates at their discretion, which is why many are intimidated and prefer to remain silent.
The day after the Ombudsman’s visit, Ulan gathered all the convicts and openly threatened them. He stated: 'The commission will be here for only one day, and then you will be left with me! I will show you! When Orozо ends, I will arrange a different regime for you! I have enough spirit for that!' After this, direct pressure and threats began.
My current placement in the punishment cell is revenge for not being afraid to contradict the head of the operational department and for telling the truth to the commission. The conditions of my detention are also being violated: I was not taken out for lunch, but was kept in the yard for more than an hour in the rain.
In light of the above, I ask you to promptly convey this information about the violations to the public and initiate actions from law enforcement agencies for my protection and assistance.” - the akyn's letter states.
