On January 15, 2024, Kyrgyzstan witnessed a significant escalation in state actions against the press. The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) conducted raids on the offices of 24.kg and Temirov Live, leading to the detention of several journalists. These operations were reportedly in response to accusations of “propagating a war” and “calls for mass unrest.” Among the detainees was Makhabat Tazhibek-kyzy, spouse of Bolot Temirov, alongside other journalists linked to his projects.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, as cited by local media, disclosed that a criminal probe had been initiated into unspecified publications by Temirov Live and its affiliate Ait Ait Dese, specifically for “calls to protest actions and mass unrest.” This led to the temporary arrest of 11 individuals for a 48-hour period, pending judicial review for extended custody, as reported by various sources and confirmed by Temirov.
Bolot Temirov, a renowned investigative journalist, has faced multiple legal challenges, including accusations of illegal drug possession and document forgery. He was cleared of drug-related charges but convicted of forgery, although the statute of limitations for these charges had expired. His legal battles, particularly his arrest and trial, have been widely perceived as politically motivated, stemming from his investigative reporting that frequently targets influential figures in Kyrgyzstan.
In recent years, the press freedom landscape in Kyrgyzstan has notably deteriorated, with independent media facing a series of legal confrontations. In 2022, Temirov Live’s office was raided, and Temirov, who was born in Kyrgyzstan, was deported to Russia. The government also took action against Radio Azattyk, the local service of the U.S. Congress-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), initially blocking it and later attempting to shut it down, although an appeals court later reversed this decision. Currently, the Kyrgyz authorities are pursuing the closure of Kloop, a partner of the global investigative network Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
Temirov views the detention of his past and present employees as a retaliatory measure against the investigative journalism encapsulated in his projects. He expressed, “Taking into account that employees who have not worked for us for a year and a half have been detained, we can say that the goal is the complete destruction of everything connected with Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese.”
These incidents underscore the broader issues of media freedom and the treatment of dissent in Kyrgyzstan, drawing international criticism from human rights organizations and spotlighting the challenges journalists face in the region.
The targeting of 24.kg may be linked to its coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In September 2023, Russian authorities restricted access to the portal within their borders, citing its reporting on the conflict.
Liz Throssell, a spokeswoman for the U.N. Human Rights Office, voiced significant concerns about these developments, noting, “These latest actions by the authorities appear to be part of a larger pattern of pressure against civil society activists, journalists, and other critics of the authorities.” She also raised alarms about a proposed mass media bill in the Kyrgyz parliament, potentially curtailing freedom of expression.
Russia’s influence in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in economic and security realms, is substantial, For instance, Russia has provided substantial financial assistance to Kyrgyzstan, including debt write-offs, grants, and low-rate loans. Russian corporations, like Gazprom, are active in the country, indicating a strong economic presence. This economic influence can indirectly affect political dynamics in Kyrgyzstan.
Exclusive Footage: RFE/RL Reporters Document Seizure and Confiscation at 24.kg’s Bishkek Headquarters
https://www.rferl.org/embed/player/0/32775073.html?type=video
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