According to Amnesty International, the release of Tajibek kyzy was a "long-awaited step towards justice," but it does not eliminate the previously committed human rights violations that she will face in the event of a possible retrial.
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The hearing in the case of Mahabat Tajibek kyzy is scheduled for April 7
Mari Strazhers, Director of Amnesty International for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, emphasized the need for the immediate dropping of all charges against the journalist, lifting the travel ban, and ensuring her adequate legal protection.
The organization also noted that the authorities' actions regarding Mahabat and other staff members of the Temirov Live projects and "Ait ait dese" create a dangerous precedent for investigative journalists across the country.
"Journalists should not be subjected to criminal prosecution for covering issues of public interest. The authorities are obliged to comply with Kyrgyzstan's international human rights commitments, create safe conditions for independent journalism, and respect the right to freedom of speech," the statement said.
The human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders also expressed support for the court's decision that allowed the journalist to return to her family, but noted the necessity of full rehabilitation and the dropping of all charges.
Meanwhile, Tajibek kyzy's lawyer reported on the defense's plans, stating that at the next court hearing on April 7, they would not file a motion to dismiss the case.
It is worth recalling that on October 10, 2024, the Lenin District Court of Bishkek sentenced Mahabat to six years in prison. Later, the Bishkek City Court upheld this sentence, and the Supreme Court also confirmed it in February 2025.
After that, the defense filed a petition for a retrial, and the Supreme Court sent it back to the district court for reconsideration.
Previously, international human rights organizations and representatives of the media community called for a review of the journalist's sentence.
Mahabat Tajibek kyzy is a journalist and head of the Temirov LIVE project, as well as the wife of the well-known investigative journalist Bolot Temirov. Together, they conducted anti-corruption investigations that caused significant public resonance. Bolot Temirov was previously expelled from Kyrgyzstan and stripped of his citizenship.
