Kyrgyz Journalist Kanyshai Mamyrkulova Faces Legal Persecution Amidst Press Freedom Concerns

April 30, 2025 – Russia – 

Kanyshai Mamyrkulova, an independent journalist from Kyrgyzstan, has been subjected to escalating legal actions following her detention on March 20, 2025. Authorities charged her under Article 278 of the Criminal Code for allegedly inciting mass unrest and ethnic discord through her social media posts, which were critical of the government’s handling of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border situation.

After her arrest, a district court in Bishkek ordered the seizure of her residence, reportedly her only home, raising concerns about potential retaliation against her journalistic activities. Despite calls from international human rights organizations, including the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and International Partnership for Human Rights, for her release and the dropping of charges, Mamyrkulova remains in custody.

A preliminary hearing on her case was held on April 30, 2025, at the Oktyabrsky District Court, where the judge denied the defense’s request for a change in her detention status. The court is scheduled to consider the case on its merits on May 14, 2025.

This case has drawn criticism from various human rights groups, who view it as part of a broader pattern of increasing repression against independent journalists and media professionals in Kyrgyzstan. These developments underscore the challenges faced by journalists in the region and the need for robust protections for press freedom and freedom of expression.

Reference – 

https://24.kg/english/328037_District_Court_remands_journalist_Kanyshai_Mamyrkulova_in_custody/

Kyrgyzstan: Release journalist Kanyshay Mamyrkulova and drop retaliatory charges

https://24.kg/english/326500_Court_seizes_housing_of_journalist_Kanyshai_Mamyrkulova/