She emphasized that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has clearly stated the illegality of the detention of Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, calling for the annulment of her sentence and her immediate release with compensation for the suffering endured. "This decision leaves no room for ambiguity or symbolism," she added.
The detention of Mahabat Tajibek kyzy creates a troubling precedent for all independent journalists in Kyrgyzstan, indicating that investigating corruption and human rights violations may lead to imprisonment. Strazers noted that the hearing in the Supreme Court is an opportunity to demonstrate that international law and the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan have real power and are not just empty words.
The Committee to Protect Journalists, "Reporters Without Borders," the International Press Institute, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, the Austrian NGO "Freedom for Eurasia," the International Partnership for Human Rights, "Araminta," and Civil Rights Defenders pointed out that the UN Working Group's conclusion highlights the political nature of the prosecution of Tajibek kyzy and provides compelling grounds for her immediate release.
The Working Group noted that she was convicted for "lawfully exercising freedom of expression" through her journalistic activities related to corruption investigations and criticism of the authorities. The Kyrgyz authorities failed to demonstrate any specific fragments of her publications that contained calls for violence or incitement. The conviction of Mahabat Tajibek kyzy has become part of a "systematic persecution" of independent media, particularly Temirov Live, and she was targeted "partly because she is seen as a continuation" of Bolot Temirov, as noted by the organizations.
The UN Working Group also condemned the use by the Kyrgyz authorities of the "vague" Article 278 of the Criminal Code to suppress legitimate criticism and eliminate independent media.The Working Group concluded that Tajibek kyzy should not have been brought to trial, and the authorities violated her right to a fair trial. She did not have access to a lawyer in the early stages of her detention, including searches of her home and office. The judicial authorities failed to provide sufficient justification for the conviction, complicating the defense in the appeal process. High-ranking officials, including President Sadyr Japarov, violated the presumption of innocence by declaring the guilt of Tajibek kyzy and her colleagues before the verdict was issued.
In this regard, the Working Group called on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to immediately release Tajibek kyzy, grant her the right to compensation, conduct a full and independent investigation into the case of her detention, and take measures against those responsible. There was also a request to cease the campaign of intimidation against independent media and to make necessary legislative changes to bring Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic in line with international human rights standards.
It should be noted that Mahabat Tajibek kyzy was detained along with ten employees of Temirov Live in January 2024 and accused of inciting mass riots. On February 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan reviewed the appeal of three of the detained journalists and upheld the decision of the previous instance: Mahabat Tajibek kyzy was sentenced to six years in prison, Azamat Ishenbekov to five years, and Aika Beishkeekeeva received three years of probation. The Bishkek City Court sentenced Aktilek Kaparov to three years of probation, and he did not appeal this decision. The other seven defendants were acquitted due to lack of evidence of a crime.
On February 2, the Supreme Court will consider the defense's petition for Mahabat Tajibek kyzy to reopen the case based on newly discovered circumstances. The question remains whether the petition will be accepted for consideration.
