24.kg presents an overview of the most resonant incidents that occurred over the past year.
1
Circus Conflicts
The year began with a conflict at the Abubakir Izibayev Kyrgyz State Circus. Several artists accused director Svetlana Ashirova of incompetence. She, in turn, disagreed with the accusations and threatened to sue the complainants, but was soon dismissed.
Svetlana Ashirova worked as director for only three months before being reinstated, and the circus was decided to be transferred to a self-financing model. Nevertheless, dissatisfied artists appealed to the president for help.
2
MCN Coin Fraud
In February, the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) detained Isradin Subanbekov, one of the founders of the virtual asset MCN Coin. They later published a video of his confession to fraud, stating that the company had raised $2.5 million from citizens over 18 months.
The Financial Market Regulation Service had repeatedly warned against investing in MCN Coin, as the asset had not passed state registration.
3
New Land Code Under Threat
Residents of Bishkek expressed dissatisfaction with the new Land Code, and a group of 60 people appealed to the president, demanding that he not sign it.
The new version of the code provided for the possibility of returning private property to the state under various conditions, raising concerns among property owners that their plots could be seized at the arbitrary decision of officials. The president decided not to sign the new draft.
4
YAKA Brand Scandal
Russian entrepreneur Anna Obidenova created the YAKA brand, which uses Kyrgyz ornaments, sparking a storm of discussions on social media.
The situation escalated after the publication of a photo of the YAKA store by Uulzhan Bekturova, who expressed dissatisfaction that elements of Kyrgyz culture had been taken out of context and turned into a commodity. Bloggers supported her, and Anna Obidenova faced a wave of criticism.
5
Russian House and Spy Scandal
In April, Kyrgyzstan witnessed a spy scandal that ultimately ended without significant consequences.
GKNB employees detained Natalia Sekeryna, an employee of the Russian House in Osh, on suspicion of recruiting mercenaries for participation in military conflicts. She was accused of planning recruitment for sending to Ukraine.
The Bishkek court ordered her to be held in custody for two months, but soon, after an appeal to the Russian ambassador, the measure was changed to house arrest, and the case was closed.
6
Incident in a Bathhouse in Moscow
In the spring, a raid occurred at the "Bodrost" bath complex in Moscow, owned by a Kyrgyz émigré. The operation involved police, the FSB, and the National Guard, detaining between 25 to 59 Kyrgyz migrants.
A scandalous video, allegedly recorded from surveillance cameras, quickly spread on social media, showing law enforcement using force against migrants lying on the floor.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan summoned the Russian ambassador to deliver a note of protest; however, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that there were no violations by law enforcement.
Only Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Janar Akayev condemned the actions of the security forces, noting that such behavior is unacceptable for allies.
7
Fight at the Sheraton Hotel
A fight occurred at the five-star Sheraton Hotel, involving dancer Jan Voinov and his family. One of the victims, blogger Alina Zhakypova, known as Begemot Kyz, reported that security guards simply watched as she and her friends were beaten.
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The court found Zarina Almasova and her brother guilty, sentencing the latter to three years in prison with probation. Zarina was ordered to pay a fine of 50,000 soms. Jan Voinov was arrested but was soon released as the victims dropped their claims.
8
Arrest of the Mayor of Tokmok
In June, Tokmok witnessed the high-profile arrest of Mayor Maxat Nusuvaliyev, which occurred during a meeting. A video of his detention quickly spread online, showing the mayor being led out of the hall in handcuffs.
Nusuvaliyev was sentenced to 13 years in prison for corruption.
9
Assault on Doctors in the Hospital
In the summer, there were two incidents of violence against doctors at the National Hospital. A resident and an emergency medical doctor were injured.
Although the participants in the conflict dropped their claims, one of the doctors ended up in a hospital bed, and the court ruled for his arrest for three days.
10
Conflict Among Deputies
Deputy Mederbek Aliyev published an article comparing Akylbek Japarov's solitude at the Independence Day celebration to his previous status as head of the cabinet of ministers. He noted that now no one greets him with respect as they did before.
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This publication elicited a response from Japarov, who did not hold back and replied to the criticism.
11
Disputes Over Old Bishkek
Since October, active construction of the Old Bishkek shopping and entertainment complex has been underway in Bishkek, owned by former mayor Nariman Tyuleev.
He promised to complete the first phase by December 1 and update the fountain complex. However, deadlines were missed, and local residents expressed dissatisfaction with the building's ugly appearance.
The chairman of the GKNB, Kamchybek Tashiev, intervened in the situation, urging builders to consider the interests of the citizens.
Traffic on Chuy Avenue was opened, and an unnecessary protrusion on the road was removed.
12
Election Scandal in District No. 13
The parliamentary elections were not without scandals. The Central Election Commission annulled the voting results in District No. 13 due to violations of the secrecy of voting identified at 35 polling stations. The leader was Bakyt Sydykov.
As a result, the VIII convocation of parliament began its work without three deputies, and elections in District No. 13 will be held again.
13
Results of the 2025 Elections
Candidate in District No. 8, Zhyldyzkan Zholdoshova, was unable to enter the Jogorku Kenesh, despite receiving the majority of votes under the women's quota. After the annulment of the results at polling stations No. 5514 and 5249, victory was awarded to Nurjamal Torobekova.
All legal disputes were lost by Zhyldyzkan Zholdoshova.
14
Minister Dismissed for Drunk Driving
At the end of the year, the post of Minister of Science and Education was taken by Baktiyar Orozov, who was dismissed "for violating the ethics of a civil servant" after being detained for driving under the influence.
Orozov admitted that he had drunk two mugs of beer before getting behind the wheel.
