Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova, human rights activist, shared a letter from the convicted journalist.
From the walls of the colony, Mahabat Tajibek kyzy wrote an address that was published by human rights activist Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova on her Telegram channel.
During a recent visit by lawyer Asel Argymbaeva, Mahabat expressed her gratitude and shared a letter addressed to the general public. During her imprisonment, she received hundreds of letters of support from different corners of the world from people who had never met her but felt it was important to show their support. Mahabat noted that all the letters reach her, but she is unable to respond to each one.
Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova also emphasized the importance of support for Mahabat from society and reminded that on March 10 at 10:45, a hearing in Mahabat's case will take place in the Supreme Court with the participation of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
From Mahabat's letter from colony No. 2:
"Hello, my friends from the world of democracy!
I have been in prison for two years…
After everything I have been through, it was important for me to share with you."
During this period, Mahabat faced many trials: intrigues, attempts at discrediting her, and even setups by some inmates and staff. They hoped that by breaking her, they could gain freedom or career advancement.
Nevertheless, she fought with all her might not to succumb to the pressure. There were days when loneliness made itself felt, but letters and kind wishes from supporters inspired Mahabat, giving her strength.
"You have been the support that helped me move forward," she noted.
Over the two years, she learned to overcome her fears, confront problems head-on, and emerge from them with minimal losses.
Mahabat became more sociable and is actively acquiring survival skills in any circumstances.
She noted that among the inmates and staff, there are both bad and good people who supported her.
The colony administration created conditions for her creative activities — Mahabat can draw, play the komuz, and sing. At her request, the library was updated with modern books.
Now she feels better, having gone through difficulties and managed to cope with them. "I passed the exam with 'excellent' in this difficult school," she said, adding that she is surrounded by care and sympathy. What will happen next, time will tell.
Looking back, Mahabat realizes that the trials she experienced here became valuable lessons that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
She has been tempered like steel, facing hardships but not breaking.
In conclusion, Mahabat expressed gratitude not only to her friends and like-minded individuals but also to those who caused her to be here. "I am grateful to you, mom, husband, brothers, and everyone who worries about me. Your support and faith give me strength. Take care of yourselves and me," she wrote.
We remind you that Mahabat Tajibek kyzy was detained in January 2024 along with ten employees of Temirov Live on charges of inciting mass riots.
On February 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan reviewed the appeals of three journalists among the detainees and upheld the decisions of lower courts: Mahabat was sentenced to six years in prison, Azamat Ishenbekov to five years, and Aika Beishikeeva was found guilty and sentenced to three years of probation.
The Bishkek City Court sentenced Aktilek Kaparov to three years of probation, and he did not contest this decision. The other seven defendants in the case were acquitted due to lack of evidence of a crime.
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