The statements of the poet have provoked a reaction from a well-known lawyer and the Ombudsman Institute.
Poet Askhat Zhetigen shared information about the abuse and threats coming from a staff member of colony No. 27 named Ulan. This information was published on social media by lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov, who attached Zhetigen's letter to the post.
According to him, the incident began after Askhat reported corruption and violations in the prison to the KR Ombudsman Commission. As a result, he had to turn to lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov for protection and public coverage of the situation he found himself in.
"Dear lawyer!
I am forced to contact you due to the unlawful actions of the staff of colony No. 27. On March 2, 2026, the head of the operational department named Ulan sent me to the SHIZO without legal grounds. When I asked him about the reasons, he replied that he would 'return me to my previous harsh living conditions' and made a false accusation that I was allegedly 'agitating the convicts.'
This statement is completely false. I have never supported the criminal world, and everyone knows that. Notably, the staff member who drafted the act of my placement in SHIZO could not even specify the reason for the violation in the document.
I believe that the real reason for my persecution is that I highlighted numerous violations committed by the administration:
Since April 2025, the coal provided by the state for heating the living quarters of convicts has been misused by the staff.
At least four times a week, from evening until morning, they heat the bathhouse for their own leisure. This 'free' behavior and abuse among the staff have been ongoing for a year.
The staff has established a fee of 2000 soms for using the gym, which restricts the convicts' rights to engage in sports. At the same time, the staff themselves use the gym without restrictions, including during working hours.
The offices of the squad leaders, as well as separate sections of the dining room, kitchen, bathhouse, mosque, and gym, have been renovated at the expense of funds collected from the convicts.
Last week, representatives of the Ombudsman (Akıykatchy) visited the colony to check the conditions of detention. I candidly presented them with the facts of the aforementioned violations. During the conversation, the head of the operational service, Ulan, tried to interfere and conceal the offenses, which led to a verbal altercation between us. The intervention of the Akıykatchy representative helped to stop his unlawful actions.
This staff member is notorious for his rudeness and cruelty. Every time a commission arrives, convicts are forced to assure that 'everything is fine.'
Those who dare to speak the truth face brutal beatings, humiliation, placement in SHIZO, and coercion into hard and dirty work.
The staff effectively tortures and abuses the prisoners based on their imagination, which is why many are intimidated and remain silent.
The day after the Ombudsman's visit, Ulan gathered all the convicts and openly threatened us, stating: 'The commission will be here for only one day, and then you will stay 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, direct threats and pressure began.
My current stay in SHIZO is revenge for my courage to express my opinion to the head of the operational department and for telling the truth to the inspectors. At this moment, the conditions of detention are also being violated: I was not taken out for lunch but was kept in the yard for over an hour in the rain.
In light of the above, I ask you to urgently bring this information about the violations to the public and initiate an operational response from law enforcement agencies to provide me with protection and assistance," wrote the poet.
Lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov noted that Zhetigen's placement in the punishment isolation cell occurred without explanation of specific legal grounds and without specifying the duration of detention. He emphasized that it is extremely important to obtain an official response from the institution's administration regarding the reasons and legality of this decision.
The lawyer reported that he sent a corresponding request and insists on receiving the information within the time limits established by law. He also noted that issues related to the conditions of detention and the application of disciplinary measures require transparency and legal assessment.
In turn, the Akıykatchy Institute reported that on February 27, staff conducted monitoring in institution No. 27 of the State Penitentiary Service. During the visit, convict Askhat Zhetigen reported on the rough treatment by a staff member of the colony. The management of the institution was immediately notified to take the necessary measures.
Furthermore, the Ombudsman’s office added that, based on the received information, an additional control inspection will be organized in this colony.
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