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January 30, 2026 – Kyrgyzstan –
A coalition of press freedom advocates and human rights organisations has called on authorities in Kyrgyzstan to immediately release investigative journalist Mahabat (Tajibek) Kyzy following her arrest and ongoing detention on charges that critics say are politically motivated and aimed at silencing independent reporting. The campaign, amplified on January 30, 2026, underscores growing concerns about press freedom and democratic backsliding in the Central Asian republic.
Kyzy, a prominent anticorruption reporter, was taken into custody in late January 2026 on allegations of “defamation” and “incitement against state officials.” According to partner organisations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Impact Policies, the charges stem from coverage that exposed alleged misuse of public funds and questioned public officials’ conduct, rather than documenting any legitimate criminal conduct. Rights defenders argue that the legal action against her reflects a broader pattern of judicial harassment aimed at intimidating investigative journalists who challenge powerful interests.
In a joint statement, rights groups including CPJ and the Civil Rights Defenders (CRD) urged the Kyrgyz government to end what they described as a political prosecution and to respect its own constitutional guarantees for freedom of expression and press freedom. The organisations emphasised that Kyzy’s detention — which has lasted beyond preliminary questioning — violates international norms and undermines confidence in the rule of law when journalists risk criminal charges for uncovering wrongdoing.
According to open source reporting, international bodies such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Article 19 have also highlighted that Kyrgyzstan’s legal framework lacks clear safeguards to prevent abuse of defamation and incitement statutes, leaving journalists vulnerable to prosecution for reporting on matters of public interest. The arrest of Kyzy comes amid a troubling trend in the country, where authorities have increasingly invoked criminal law to constrain critical voices, despite constitutional protections for free speech that are formally enshrined.
Advocates say that Kyzy’s case has broader implications for Kyrgyzstan’s fragile democracy, noting that restricting independent journalism weakens public accountability and transparency. Impact Policies warned that such prosecutions could deter other journalists from pursuing investigative reporting — especially on corruption and governance issues — and erode trust in institutions meant to uphold justice.
CPJ’s Asia program coordinator emphasised that journalists must be allowed to report freely and hold public officials accountable without fear of reprisal. The organisation reiterated its call for Kyrgyz authorities to drop all charges against Tajibek Kyzy and ensure her immediate release, asserting that a truly democratic society must protect — rather than punish — independent journalism.
The case continues to draw attention from international media freedom networks, with rights groups advocating sustained pressure on Kyrgyz authorities until Kyzy’s release and meaningful legal reforms are secured to protect journalists across the country.
Reference –
CPJ, partners call on Kyrgyzstan to free journalist Tajibek kyzy
