Response to the situation came from a well-known lawyer and the Ombudsman Institute
Poet Askhat Zhetigen reported cases of abuse and threats from an employee of colony No. 27, known as Ulan. This information was disseminated on social media by lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov, who published Zhetigen's letter.
According to Askhat, the incident began after his appeal to the Ombudsman Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic, which visited the colony. Zhetigen spoke about violations of the rights of prisoners and corruption among the staff. Shortly after, he turned to lawyer Toktakunov for protection and to make the situation public.
“Dear lawyer!
I am forced to contact you due to the unlawful actions of the employees of colony No. 27. On March 2, 2026, the head of the operational department, Ulan, placed me in a punishment cell without any grounds. When I asked him about the reasons, he replied that he would 'return me to my previous harsh living conditions,' making a false accusation that I was allegedly 'agitating the prisoners.'
These accusations are completely false. I have never supported the criminal world, and this is known to everyone. Interestingly, the author of the act regarding my placement in the punishment cell could not even specify the reason for the violation in the document.
I believe that the true reason for my persecution is that I reported numerous violations by the administration:
Since April 2025, the coal allocated by the state for heating the living quarters of prisoners 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 behavior and abuses among the staff have been ongoing for a year.
The employees have set a fee of 2000 soms for using the gym, which restricts the prisoners' rights to engage in sports. At the same time, the staff themselves use the gym without any restrictions, even during working hours. The offices of the heads, as well as separate sections of the dining room, kitchen, bathhouse, mosque, and gym have been renovated with money collected from the prisoners.
Last week, representatives of the Ombudsman (Akıykatchy) arrived at the colony to inspect the institution's operations. I openly informed them about the aforementioned violations. During the conversation, Ulan attempted to interfere and conceal the offenses, which led to a verbal altercation. The intervention of the Akıykatchy representative helped stop his unlawful actions.
Ulan is known for his rudeness and cruelty. Before the commissions arrive, prisoners are forced to say that 'everything is fine.'
Those who dare to speak the truth face brutal beatings, humiliation, placement in punishment cells, and coercion into hard, dirty work.
The staff effectively tortures and humiliates people based on their fantasies, which is why many are intimidated and remain silent. The day after the Ombudsman’s visit, Ulan gathered all the prisoners and openly threatened us, saying: 'The commission will be here for only one day, and then you will stay with me! I will show you! After Orozо, I will arrange a different regime for you! I have enough strength for this!' After that, direct threats and pressure began.
My current placement in the punishment cell is revenge for daring to contradict the head of the operational department and for telling the truth to the inspection. The conditions of my detention are also being violated: I was not taken out for lunch, but I was kept in the exercise yard for over an hour in the rain.
In light of the above, I ask you to urgently publicize information about the violations and initiate prompt measures from law enforcement agencies to provide me with protection and assistance,” wrote the poet.
Lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov commented that Zhetigen's placement in the punishment cell occurred without explanation of legal grounds and without specifying the duration of detention. He noted that it is important to obtain an official response from the colony administration regarding the reasons and legality of this decision.
Toktakunov reported that he sent a corresponding legal request and insists on receiving information within the time limits established by law. He also emphasized that issues concerning the conditions of detention and the application of disciplinary measures require transparency and legal assessment.
The Akıykatchy Institute reported that on February 27, employees conducted monitoring at institution No. 27 of the State Penitentiary Service. During the visit, prisoner Askhat Zhetigen reported abuse by a colony employee. The management of the institution was pointed out on-site about the need to take measures.
Additionally, the Ombudsman’s office added that, based on the information received, an additional control inspection will be conducted in this colony.
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