Human rights activist Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova shared a letter from the imprisoned journalist.
Journalist Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, who is serving her sentence in a correctional facility, wrote an open letter that was published by human rights activist Gulshaiyr Abdirasulova on her Telegram channel.
Recently, lawyer Asel Argymbaeva visited Makhabat and conveyed her gratitude to everyone who supports her, as well as wrote an appeal to the public. It should be noted that during her imprisonment, she received numerous letters of support from various corners of the world. Many of the senders have never met her but find it important to express their solidarity. In her letter, Tajibek kyzy stated that all letters reach her, but unfortunately, she does not have the opportunity to respond to each one.
“I want to thank everyone who supports Makhabat, her son, and her family. I remind you that on March 10 at 10:45, there will be a hearing in the Supreme Court regarding Makhabat's case, related to the findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions,” noted the human rights activist.
Here is an excerpt from Makhabat's letter written in women's colony No. 2:
“Hello, my dear friends from the democratic world!
I have been here in prison for the second year now…
After all the trials I have been through, I decided to write to you.”
During these two years, I have faced many difficulties and crises. I encountered intrigues, attempts at discreditation, and setups from both inmates and some staff members. They thought that by breaking me, they could gain freedom or a promotion.
However, I made every effort not to succumb to provocations. There were moments when I felt very lonely, and in those moments, your support and kind words inspired me to continue the fight.
You have become my support, as if you were holding my hand and pushing me forward.
Everything I have experienced over these two years has taught me not to avoid but to overcome my fears. I have learned to face problems and come out of them with minimal losses.
I have become more sociable and continue to learn to survive in any conditions.
I cannot say that all inmates or staff are bad. Among them are good and decent people who have also supported me.
The administration of the colony has provided me with opportunities for creative expression: I can draw, play the national instrument komuz, and sing. All the conditions for this have been created.
At my request, the library was updated with new books.
Right now, I am doing well because I have gone through the toughest trials and passed the exam with “excellent.” I am loved and supported. What happens next will be shown by time.
Looking back, I realize that it was here that I was meant to go through this school. The lessons I have received cannot be obtained anywhere else.
I have hardened like steel: I bent, but I did not break.
I have realized that I should be grateful not only to my friends and like-minded people but also to those who caused my “journey” here.
I sincerely thank you, mom, husband, brothers, and everyone who cares about me. Your love and support give me immense strength. Take care of yourselves and me.
Respectfully, your Makhabat Tajibek kyzy.”
We remind you that in January 2024, Makhabat Tajibek kyzy was detained along with ten employees of Temirov Live, and they were charged with organizing mass riots.
On February 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan reviewed the appeal of three journalists among the detained eleven and upheld the previous court's decision: Makhabat Tajibek kyzy received six years in prison, Azamat Ishenbekov received five years, and Aike Beishikeeva was placed on probation for three years.
The Bishkek City Court sentenced Aktilek Kaparov to three years of probation, and he did not appeal this decision. The other seven were acquitted due to lack of evidence of a crime.
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