Kyrgyzstan faces mounting international pressure to release journalist Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy, following her controversial conviction on charges related to mass civil unrest. Amnesty International has firmly called on Kyrgyzstani authorities to release Tazhibek-kyzy and annul all charges against her. This comes amid rising concerns about freedom of expression in the Central Asian nation, particularly in light of recent legislative actions perceived to suppress this fundamental right.
The situation has drawn attention from numerous quarters. Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that the Kyrgyz government is at a critical juncture: they can either honor international human rights commitments or continue to violate them. Support for this stance was further bolstered by a formal opinion from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The Group has determined that Tazhibek-kyzy’s detention is unlawful, underscoring the necessity for her immediate release and compensation for the injustices she has faced. Their findings conclude her conviction was unjust, arising from the legal application of overbroad charges, denial of due process, and targeting based on her journalistic work more information.
Currently, Tazhibek-kyzy is serving a six-year sentence imposed in October 2024, after being charged with orchestrating mass unrest. Her conviction was upheld upon appeal. Her defense team has filed a petition with the Kyrgyz Supreme Court, which is set to review the case on February 2. This legal challenge highlights the contentious environment journalists face under President Sadyr Japorov’s administration. Human rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, point to a legislative push since 2020 to curb freedom of speech, notably citing the 2021 Law on Protection from Unreliable Information, which permits the government to block websites without judicial oversight.
Tazhibek-kyzy’s role as director of the YouTube-based media outlets Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese marked her as a prominent figure in investigating alleged corruption. Her arrest followed a raid by law enforcement in January 2024, linking her detainment closely with her journalistic endeavors targeting corruption. The Kyrgyz Constitution purportedly supports freedom of expression, yet Article 23.2 allows restrictions under the guise of national security and public order, creating a contentious legal landscape for press freedom.
The developments are being closely watched by international and regional observers, intensifying scrutiny over Kyrgyzstan’s commitments to uphold human rights in accordance with international norms. The impending court review will be crucial in determining whether the country steers toward freeing up its journaling landscape or continues down a path of restriction.