Appeal from activists requesting protection for the akyn and an independent investigation
The Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan has sent an appeal to the state authorities of the country demanding a response to the situation concerning akyn Askat Zhetigen. Activists are calling for protection for him and the initiation of an independent investigation. In their letter, they addressed President Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, Ombudsman Jamilya Jamangbaeva, Prosecutor General Maksat Asanaliev, head of the State Penitentiary Service Chyngyz Kozhoshev, and Minister of Justice Ayaz Bayetov.
The appeal states that lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov published a letter from Askat Zhetigen, a convicted akyn, in which he describes facts of persecution, cruel treatment, and corruption violations in institution No. 27, located in the village of Moldovanovka, Chui region.
Askat Zhetigen reports that after the visit of representatives of the Akikatchy (Ombudsman) of the Kyrgyz Republic and the announcement of information about alleged violations, he was subjected to pressure. On March 2, 2026, he was placed in a punishment isolation cell (SHIZO) and received threats from an employee of IK No. 27 known as Ulan.
In his statement, he also mentions possible facts of torture and other forms of cruel treatment, as well as corrupt actions by some employees of the penal system.
Activists emphasize the need for an immediate and objective investigation of the stated facts. The investigation should not only concern the situation with Askat Zhetigen but also the overall conditions in institution No. 27 and other places of detention.
Considering the risks of pressure on the applicant and potential witnesses, the Platform calls for:
1. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, as the guarantor of the rights and freedoms of citizens, to take control of this situation and ensure a swift, objective, and independent investigation not only into the case of Askat Zhetigen but also into other instances of pressure, cruel treatment, or persecution of convicts who expressed their opinions or cooperated with oversight bodies.
It is also necessary to ensure the safety of the applicant and witnesses, and in case of confirmed violations, to take measures to hold the guilty parties accountable in accordance with the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic.
2. The Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic:
• To register the received information as grounds for an investigation.
• To conduct a legal assessment of possible official crimes, abuse of power, and obstruction of the right to appeal, as well as the use of torture or cruel treatment.
• The investigation should be comprehensive and cover both IK No. 27 and other institutions.
3. The Akikatchy (Ombudsman) of the Kyrgyz Republic:
• To organize an unscheduled monitoring visit to institution No. 27 and, if necessary, to other places of detention.
• To conduct confidential conversations with Askat Zhetigen and other convicts without the presence of administration.
• To document the conditions of detention and signs of pressure or violence.
• To prepare a public report with recommendations for state authorities.
4. The State Penitentiary Service:
• To ensure immediate access for the lawyer to Askat Zhetigen and other potential applicants.
• To guarantee confidentiality of communication with the defender.
• To conduct an independent medical examination to document the state of health.
• To preserve all documentation, including SHIZO logs and other materials.
• To prohibit any measures of influence on the applicant and witnesses until the investigation is completed.
During the investigation, consideration should be given to suspending the employees mentioned in the appeal from interacting with the applicant and witnesses.
5. The Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Cabinet of Ministers:
• To ensure coordination between agencies and oversight of compliance.
• To conduct a legal assessment of possible corruption and illegal fundraising activities.
Systemic measures to prevent reprisals for filing complaints:
• Establishment of secure channels for filing complaints (confidential communication with the Ombudsman and the prosecutor's office without administrative oversight).
• Mandatory video recording of key procedures and areas with established access rules.
• Regular unplanned visits by monitoring groups ensuring confidentiality.
• Holding the institution's management accountable for pressure on applicants and witnesses.
We emphasize: 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 serve as grounds for worsening conditions of detention or for disciplinary measures.
Any attempts to punish for the exercise of these rights should be regarded as a serious violation of the law requiring effective investigation," noted the Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan.
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