Kyrgyzstan: Wave of Detentions Targets Kloop Journalists; Some Released, Others Held

On the morning of May 28, a wave of detentions occurred in Kyrgyzstan involving current and former staff of the independent media outlet Kloop, Orda.kz reports. Seven individuals were detained, including three active journalists, two former employees, and two other individuals; some have already been released.

One of the journalists, Zyyagul Bolot kyzy, was detained in Osh. The others were taken from different districts of Bishkek. During the detentions, personal devices such as phones and laptops were confiscated.

According to reports, lawyers were not granted access to the detainees, who were questioned without legal representation throughout the process.

Bakytt Avtandil, a lawyer for Kloop, initially said the investigation may concern an article related to inciting interethnic discord, although no formal charges have been filed, and it is uncertain what they could be. 

He described the actions of the authorities as a blatant violation of the law: no warrants were presented, no search protocols were issued, and court sanctions were not shown.

We do not understand the logic behind the detention of Kloop’s former employees. There’s no legal basis for their arrest — even forensic analysis of the confiscated equipment hasn’t been conducted. The searches were conducted in clear violation of the Criminal Procedure Code. The city office of the GKNB isn’t letting me in. Even the investigators said they were waiting for instructions. We consider this to be absolute lawlessness,
 said Avtandil.

Kloop is known for its anti-corruption investigations into Kyrgyz government agencies. Several international human rights organizations have described the detentions as political persecution of an independent media outlet.

Earlier this year, in February 2024, a Bishkek court ordered the liquidation of Kloop Media’s public foundation following a request by the city prosecutor’s office, which accused the outlet of systematically criticizing the government and “discrediting” officials.

The website is currently blocked in Kyrgyzstan.

Releases, Others Held for 48 Hours

Later, several detainees were released. Journalist Aiday Erkebaeva and her friend, along with former Kloop employee Zara Sadygalieva, were let go from the GKNB building after questioning. Two other women detained alongside the journalists were also released.

All individuals signed non-disclosure agreements, and the reasons for their initial detention remain unclear.

Still in custody are Kloop camera operator Alexander Alexandrov and former employee Joomart Duulatov. According to lawyer Bakytt Avtandil, both were placed under 48-hour detention and transferred to the temporary detention facility at the GKNB in Bishkek.

Within 48 hours, a pre-trial measure must be chosen. We believe these detentions are unjustified. They are suspected of inciting mass unrest. Investigators refused to allow lawyers during the questioning, arguing it wasn’t necessary during informal conversations. But we consider this a serious violation. I was denied access to my clients for over six hours,
 Avtandil stated.

The lawyer added that the women who were released were questioned only as witnesses, and nothing was formally brought against them.

They were interrogated, and since there was no basis for charges, they were released. As their devices have been examined, they should be returned,
 he noted.

Case materials have not been provided to defense lawyers, and the exact charges against those still detained remain unknown. As a result, Avtandil said it is not possible to determine the legality of the accusations.

Original Author: Rustam Muratov