The International Press Institute (IPI) condemned the sentence passed by the Leninsky District Court of Bishkek, according to which the head of Temirov Live project Makhabat Tadzhbek kyzy was sentenced to 6 years in prison, and the employee of Ait, Ait Dese Azamat Ishenbekov — to 5 years. In the statement, IPI noted that the organization had already called for the release of journalists arrested since January 2024, and once again insists on an end to politically motivated prosecution.
Interim Executive Director of IPI Scott Griffen emphasized that journalism is not a crime, and watchdog reporting on those in power is an essential component of investigative journalism.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over prison sentences for Kyrgyz journalists. According to the office’s spokesperson Seif Magango, two journalists were sentenced to prison terms, and two others — to three years’ probation.
«We urge the authorities to ensure their cases are fully reviewed in line with international human rights standards and to review vague provisions of the Criminal Code that expose journalists and others to potential liability for exercise of their fundamental rights, including freedom of expression,» he stated.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also condemned the verdict, pointing to the deteriorating situation with independent journalism in the country. According to Jeanne Cavelier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk, the decision symbolizes Kyrgyzstan’s blatant shift towards authoritarianism.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in its statement that the lengthy prison terms for journalists investigating corruption were a blow to freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan. Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, called on the international community to put pressure on the Kyrgyz authorities to reverse its growing attacks on the press.
OCCRP also criticized the verdict, calling it an attempt to silence critics. OCCRP editor-in-chief Miranda Patrucic said the authorities were punishing everyone associated with Temirov Live project.
