The GKNB of the Kyrgyz Republic discovered facts of torture in the rehabilitation center "Path to Life" in Bishkek. Special services reported that this center effectively operated as a private medical institution, posing as an organization dealing with addiction treatment. However, its operations were conducted with gross violations of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Center staff, mostly former addicts, lacked higher medical education and licenses but conducted "pseudo-psychiatric" procedures and conversations under the administration's guidance. In cases of acute psychological breakdown, cruel and degrading methods were applied to patients.
Physical measures were used to subdue patients, including beds with restraining straps, objects resembling truncheons, stun guns, and other tools, leading to physical injuries and serious psychological damage.
Additionally, as punishment for "disobedient" patients, they were placed in isolation rooms, where they were deprived of contact with the outside world. In such conditions, without access to toilets and personal hygiene products, patients were held for up to 7-8 days, wearing diapers.
The investigation also revealed that the illegal activities of the center brought significant profits to its owners: the monthly fee for the "rehabilitation" of one patient was 80,000 soms. Relatives of the patients who paid this amount had no idea about the actual methods of "treatment".
During the investigation, it was also established that the center did not adhere to the principles of separating patients based on the presence of venereal and infectious diseases, such as HIV and tuberculosis, creating a risk of infection transmission.
During the investigation, physical evidence was collected confirming the involvement of some medical workers in illegal activities.
As a result of investigative and operational measures, several individuals were detained, including I.R.K., M.Dzh.N., E.A.V., M.I.M., M.V.A., T.Ch.A., K.K.I., and Kh.S.V., and placed in the temporary detention facility of the Bishkek City Department of Internal Affairs.
Investigative actions are currently ongoing.
Citizens who have suffered from the actions of the center's employees are asked to contact the duty service of the GKNB KR in the Chui region at the number: 0312530301.
