The reason for the detention was an audio recording that appeared in the media and social networks on Monday, March 21, where several men, whose voices were identified by anonymous sources as those of politician Duulatbek Turdunaliev, former governor of the Jalal-Abad region Bektur Asanov, and one of the leaders of the National Opposition Movement Kubanychbek Kadyrbekov, discussed plans to organize riots and seize power in the country. It was planned to seize government buildings in Talas on March 14, in Osh and Batken on March 24, and then in Bishkek. The main goal of their actions was to overthrow the president, prime minister, and parliament. An examination by the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that the voices indeed belonged to the opposition members. On the evening of Thursday, March 24, they were detained at the office of the newspaper ‘ResPublica,’ published by Zamira Sydykova.
- The leaders of the National Opposition Movement (NOM), Bektur Asanov and Kubanychbek Kadyrbekov, were detained in our office while we were having tea in the kitchen. About 15 people - representatives of the State National Security Committee, accompanied by two video cameras that recorded every action of the special services - came to the editorial office. A few people went upstairs, showed their IDs, and invited Kadyrbekov for a conversation. I was left alone in the kitchen and didn’t quite understand what was happening at first. Later, we saw how they were taken away, - she told reporters.
Later, both detainees were taken to the State National Security Committee for questioning. They are suspected of planning actions aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation in the country with the subsequent implementation of a conspiracy to seize power by force. This falls under Articles 27 (“Preparation for a Crime”) and 295 (“Violent Seizure of Power or Violent Retention of Power”) of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. The next day, another citizen, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was detained. However, according to Kyrgyz-language media, he may be an energy specialist, the head of the public fund ‘Institute for Research on Water Use Problems and Water-Energy Resources of Central Asia,’ Ernest Karybekov.
- On March 25, within the framework of criminal case No. 082-16-0054, initiated on the grounds of the crime ‘Preparation for Violent Seizure of Power or Violent Retention of Power,’ a citizen of the republic ‘K.E.’ was brought to the State National Security Committee. Currently, relevant investigative actions are being conducted, - commented the press service of the State National Security Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The head of state, Almazbek Atambayev, speaking on the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of the first ‘Tulip Revolution’ of 2005, noted after the detention of the first two suspects that a third wave of riots and a coup are simply unimaginable.
- Like all of you, I cannot help but be concerned about the recent reports about the plans for a violent seizure of power being hatched by certain politicians through the destabilization of the socio-political situation in the country, through provocations and riots. Of course, one could attribute everything to the sick imagination of these political failures and simply ignore it. But we cannot allow even the slightest possibility that someone could provoke violations of laws and riots among ordinary people with impunity, endangering their lives and health, as well as peace and stability in our country, - he noted.
Atambayev emphasized that, in his opinion, there are no reasons for a coup in present-day Kyrgyzstan, as the people have the right to choose democratically, as witnessed by the recent parliamentary elections. He called on citizens to uphold the law and order.
- The time has come when not only politicians but also every citizen must answer the question of their attitude towards the future fate of the state. Either we demonstrate respect for the laws and prove to the world that Kyrgyzstan is capable of securing the freedoms achieved with a strong economy and the well-being of its citizens. Or we condone lawlessness and then risk being remembered in world history as one of many failed states, - he concluded.