As previously reported, Zhetigen's lawyer, Nurbek Toktakunov, has already published a letter from his client. In this letter, the akyn claims that after a visit from representatives of the akiykatchi, during which possible violations and corruption in the colony were raised, he faced pressure, including being placed in a punishment cell on March 2, 2026, and threats from an employee of IK No. 27 named Ulan.
Zhetigen also reports instances of torture and other forms of cruel treatment, as well as corrupt actions by some employees of the penal system.
Considering the potential risks of pressure on the applicant and witnesses, the platform calls for:
1. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic to take control of this situation and ensure an immediate, independent, and objective investigation not only regarding Askat Zhetigen but also other convicted individuals who may have faced pressure or persecution for expressing their opinions and filing complaints.
It is also necessary to ensure the protection of the applicant and witnesses, and if violations are confirmed, to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the country's legislation.
2. The Prosecutor General's Office of Kyrgyzstan:
• to register the information as grounds for initiating an investigation;
• to conduct a legal assessment of possible official crimes, abuse of power, obstruction of the right to petition, and possible use of torture;
• to ensure a comprehensive investigation that should cover not only IK No. 27 but also other facilities where similar incidents may have occurred.
3. The Akiykatchi:
• to conduct an unscheduled monitoring visit to facility No. 27, and if necessary, to other facilities;
• to ensure confidential conversations with Askat Zhetigen and other convicts without the presence of administration;
• to document the conditions of detention and signs of pressure or violence;
• to prepare a public conclusion with recommendations for state bodies.
4. The State Penitentiary Service:
• to ensure immediate access for the lawyer to Askat Zhetigen and other applicants;
• to guarantee confidentiality in communication with the defender;
• to conduct an independent medical examination documenting health conditions;
• to preserve all documentation, including SHIZO logs and other important materials;
• to prohibit any measures of influence on the applicant and witnesses until the investigation is completed.
During the investigation, consideration should be given to suspending the employees mentioned in the appeal from interacting with the applicant and potential witnesses.
5. The Ministry of Justice and the Cabinet of Ministers:
- to ensure inter-agency cooperation and oversight of implementation;
- to conduct a legal assessment of the facts of illegal collections and other manifestations of corruption;
- to create secure channels for filing complaints that will be confidential;
- to ensure mandatory video recording of key areas and procedures with established storage protocols;
- to regularly conduct unplanned visits by monitoring groups with guarantees of complete confidentiality;
- to establish accountability for the management of institutions for any forms of pressure on applicants and witnesses.
It is important to note that the freedom of expression and the right to petition controlling bodies are protected by the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and international obligations. These rights cannot serve as grounds for worsening conditions of detention or for the application of any disciplinary measures.
Attempts to punish individuals for exercising these rights should be regarded as serious violations of the law and subject to thorough investigation.
Askat Zhetigen, a well-known akyn and activist, was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of inciting mass riots and seizing power. The criminal case was initiated in March 2024 following his video addresses on social media, in which he criticized the actions of the authorities.
