Askhat Zhetigen, a convicted poet currently in colony number 27, spoke about the abuse and threats from the administration of the facility. According to him, after he reported violations and corruption in the colony to representatives of the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic, pressure began from the staff, particularly from the head of the operational department, Ulan, who illegally placed him in a punishment isolation cell (PICE). Askhat turned to lawyer Nurbek Akbar, asking him to make this situation public and ensure his protection. This information was published by human rights activist Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova on social media.
Attached is a letter from Askhat, in which he describes his experiences in detail:
“Dear lawyer!
I am forced to contact you regarding the unlawful actions being carried out by the staff of colony No. 27. On March 2, 2026, I was placed in PICE without any legal grounds. When I asked the head of the operational department, Ulan, about the reasons, he replied that he would 'return me to my previous harsh living conditions' and also made false accusations of 'agitating the convicts'.
These accusations are completely unfounded. I have never supported the criminal world, and everyone knows this. Moreover, the staff member who drew up the act regarding my placement in PICE could not even specify a reason in the document.
I believe that the real reason for my persecution is that I publicly reported numerous violations by the administration:
Since April 2025, the coal allocated for heating the living quarters of the convicts has been used by the staff for personal interests. They heat the bathhouse for their leisure at least four times a week, from evening until morning. This has been going on for a year.
The staff has set a fee of 2000 soms for visiting the gym, which restricts the convicts' rights to engage in sports, while they themselves use the gym without restrictions, even during working hours.
The money collected from the convicts was used for the renovation of the offices of the heads, as well as some areas of the dining room, kitchen, bathhouse, mosque, and gym.
Last week, representatives of the Ombudsman visited the colony to check its operations. I candidly told them about the aforementioned violations, but Ulan tried to prevent me from speaking and conceal the offenses, resulting in a conflict between us. Thanks to the intervention of the Ombudsman’s representative, his unlawful actions were halted.
This staff member is known for his cruelty. Before the arrival of the inspectors, convicts are forced to say that 'everything is fine'. Those who try to tell the truth are threatened with beatings, humiliation, placement in PICE, and forced hard labor. The staff effectively tortures people, and many are so frightened that they prefer to remain silent.
The day after the Ombudsman’s visit, Ulan gathered the convicts and openly threatened them, stating: 'The commission will be here for only one day, and then you will be left with me! I will show you! When Orozо ends, I will arrange a different regime for you! I have enough spirit for that!'. After this, open threats and pressure began.
My placement in PICE is revenge for daring to speak out against the head of the operational department and for telling the truth to the inspection. The conditions of my detention are also being violated: I was not taken out for lunch and was kept in the exercise yard in the rain for over an hour.
In light of the above, I ask you to make this information known as soon as possible and to initiate prompt actions by law enforcement agencies for my protection.” — says the letter from the poet.
