The Kyrgyz judicial system is often used as a tool of political repression. But perhaps with some international pressure, we can #FreeKyrgyz11

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Hello OCCRP Reader,

This week, a court will decide whether 11 of our Kyrgyz colleagues will remain in detention. We’re emailing to ask if you could help us spread the word about their situation, as the charges against them could still be dropped.
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Investigative journalists at Temirov Live — one of our local partners — have repeatedly exposed gross corruption by high-level Kyrgyz officials. They’ve also been repeatedly targeted by the state ([link removed]) . The recent charges of “inciting mass unrest” against 11 current and former Temirov Live employees are just the latest and most serious iterations of this repressive campaign.

The Kyrgyz justice system has allowed itself, over and over again, to be used as a tool of political repression. Given the absurdity of these charges — which could land journalists in prison for years — it’s clear that this case against our colleagues is political as well. That’s why international pressure on the Kyrgyz government has a chance to make a difference.

Could you join us in supporting our Kyrgyz journalists on social media using the hashtag #FreeKyrgyz11 ([link removed]) ? Any engagement you could give would be greatly appreciated.

You can read more about the Temirov Life affair — and Kyrgyzstan’s worsening climate of political repression — in our latest story ([link removed]) .
About the Charges, In Case You’re Curious: While authorities have offered few details about how the journalists have “incited unrest,” people with knowledge of the case said officials have presented one YouTube video as justification for all 11 detentions. The video shows Temirov Live director Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy denouncing official corruption, with no call for violence or revolution. The journalists have not yet been indicted, meaning the charges could still be dropped.

This kind of pressure on journalists was not widespread in Kyrgyzstan — once considered the most democratic country in Central Asia — until President Sadyr Japarov took control in 2020.

In the past year, Kyrgyzstan has dropped 50 places on Reporters Without Borders’ index of worldwide press freedom, plunging the country to the level of South Sudan.

This backslide to authoritarianism is especially painful for OCCRP. Our Kyrgyz colleagues, from multiple outlets, have been behind some of our most groundbreaking investigations ([link removed]) . Now, we fear, this vibrant culture of investigative journalism may be snuffed out.

We hope to protect Kyrgyzstan’s remaining independent journalists with your support.

Thank you for your time,
— The OCCRP Team
P.S. OCCRP isn’t the only group supporting TemirovLive — you can also share articles from the International Press Institute, ([link removed]) Committee to Protect Journalists ([link removed].) , and Amnesty International ([link removed]) . Just make sure to mention the importance of this week to convey the sense of urgency.

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