Reacting to the security service raids on Kloop Media and the detention and interrogation of its current and former staff members, including cameraman Aleksandr Aleksandrov, journalist Abdil Aitbay Tegin and former employee Zhoomart Duulatov, by the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) in Bishkek, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:
“The detention of Kloop journalists is yet another stark example 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.”
“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. These arrests are part of a broader, intensifying campaign of harassment against media outlets that dare to report on corruption and abuse of power.
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
Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia
“The Kyrgyzstani authorities must immediately release Aleksandr Aleksandrov, Zhoomart Duulatov and Abdil Aitbay Tegin, and end the persecution of Kloop Media and other independent media outlets and professionals.”
Background
On 28-29 May, GKNB officers conducted coordinated raids in Bishkek and Osh, targeting current and former staff of the independent outlet Kloop Media, known for its investigative journalism and anti-corruption reporting. At least eight individuals were taken for questioning, among them journalists Aiday Erkebaeva, Zyyagul Bolot-kyzy, Aleksandr Aleksandrov and Abdil Aitbay Tegin, and former editorial staff Zara Sydygalieva and Zhoomart Duulatov.
According to their lawyer, authorities denied the detainees access to legal counsel for more than six hours. Aleksandrov and Duulatov remained in custody for 48 hours, reportedly facing accusations of “inciting mass unrest” and alleged links to “anti-state activities,” though no formal charges have been disclosed.
In February 2024, a Bishkek court ordered the liquidation of the Kloop Media Foundation, citing claims that its reporting “undermines trust in government institutions.” The outlet has since been blocked in Kyrgyzstan but continues publishing. In January that year, 11 journalists associated with the Temirov Live media project, another independent media outlet, were arrested, with two receiving prison sentences of up to six years for their reporting.