Following the recent raids by the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) on independent media outlet and the detention and interrogation of its staff, including cameraman Aleksandr Aleksandrov, journalist Abdil Aitbay Tegin, and former employee Zhoomart Duulatov, Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation.

Marie Struthers, Amnesty international’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, stated that these actions exemplify the suppression of dissent and independent journalism in Kyrgyzstan.

“The detention of Kloop journalists is yet another stark exmaple of how Kyrgyzstan’s security apparatus is being used to crush dissent and dismantle independent journalism. These actions are clearly intended to intimidate critical voices,” said Struthers.

Amnesty International emphasized that detaining journalists for their work, denying them access to legal counsel, and conducting searches without warrants violate Kyrgyzstan’s legal obligations and international human rights standards.

“Detaining journalists for their work, denying access to legal counsel and carrying out warrantless searches of homes violates both Kyrgyzstan’s own legal obligations and international human rights standards,” Struthers added.

The organization is calling for the immediate release of Alksandr Alexandr Alksandrov,Zhoomart Duulatov,and Abdil Aitbay Tegin,and an end to the persecution of independent media outlets and professionals.

Crackdown on Independent Media

On May 28-29, GKNB officers conducted coordinated raids in Bishkek and Osh, targeting current and former staff of , known for its investigative journalism and anti-corruption reporting. At least eight individuals were taken for questioning,including journalists Aiday Erkebaeva,Zyyagul Bolot-kyzy,Aleksandr Aleksandrov,and Abdil Aitbay Tegin,as well as former editorial staff Zara Sydygalieva and Zhoomart Duulatov.

Detaining journalists for their work, denying access to legal counsel and carrying out warrantless searches of homes violates both Kyrgyzstan’s own legal obligations and international human rights standards

according to their lawyer, authorities denied the detainees access to legal counsel for more than six hours. Aleksandrov and duulatov were held in custody for 48 hours, reportedly accused of “inciting mass unrest” and having alleged links to “anti-state activities,” although no formal charges have been disclosed.

Background of Media Restrictions

In February 2024,a Bishkek court ordered the liquidation of the Foundation,alleging that its reporting “undermines trust in government institutions.” The outlet has as been blocked in Kyrgyzstan but continues to publish. In January 2024,11 journalists associated with the Temirov Live media project were arrested,with two receiving prison sentences of up to six years for their reporting.