It is noteworthy that earlier, Zhetigen's lawyer, Nurbek Toktakunov, published a letter in which the akyn shares information that after the visit of representatives from the akiykatchi and discussions of possible violations and corrupt actions in the colony, he faced pressure. He mentions that on March 2, 2026, he was placed in a punishment cell and threatened by prison staff, specifically one named Ulan.
In his appeal, the akyn also points to possible instances of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, as well as corruption among certain employees of the penal system.
Considering the threats of pressure on the applicant and potential witnesses, the platform calls for the following actions:
1. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic should take control of the situation and ensure an immediate, objective, and independent investigation of all the facts presented, concerning not only Askat Zhetigen but also other convicts who may have become victims of pressure, ill-treatment, or persecution for expressing their opinions and filing complaints.
It is also important to ensure the safety of the applicant and potential witnesses, and if violations are confirmed, to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
2. The Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic:
• should register the received information as grounds for initiating an investigation;
• conduct a legal assessment of possible official crimes, abuse of power, obstruction of the right to appeal, as well as possible torture or ill-treatment;
• the investigation should be comprehensive and cover not only IK No. 27 but also other facilities where similar cases may have occurred.
3. Akiykatchi:
• organize an unscheduled monitoring visit to facility No. 27 and, if necessary, to other institutions within the penal system;
• conduct confidential conversations with Askat Zhetigen and other convicts without the presence of administration;
• document the conditions of detention and any possible signs of pressure or violence;
• prepare a public report with recommendations for government agencies.
4. The State Penitentiary Service should ensure:
• immediate access for the lawyer to Askat Zhetigen and other potential applicants;
• confidentiality of communication with the defender;
• conduct an independent medical examination documenting health conditions;
• preservation of all documents and materials, including SHIZO logs, reports, and video recordings;
• prohibition of any actions against the applicant and potential witnesses until the investigation is completed.
During the investigation, it is advisable to consider suspending the employees mentioned in the appeal from direct interaction with the applicant and potential witnesses.
5. The Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Cabinet of Ministers:
- ensure interagency cooperation and oversight of implementation;
- conduct a legal assessment of possible facts of corruption and illegal fundraising;
- create secure channels for filing complaints;
- mandatory video recording of key procedures with regulated access;
- conduct regular surprise inspections ensuring confidentiality of interviews;
- establish personal responsibility of the institution's management for pressure on applicants and witnesses.
It is essential to emphasize that the freedom of expression and the right to appeal to oversight bodies are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and international obligations. These rights cannot be used as grounds for worsening detention conditions or for applying disciplinary measures.
Any attempts to punish individuals for exercising these rights should be regarded as a serious violation of the law and subject to thorough investigation.
Askat Zhetigen is an akyn and activist who has been sentenced to three years in prison on charges of inciting mass riots and seizing power. The criminal case was initiated in March 2024 following his video addresses in which he criticized the actions of the authorities.
