Kyrgyzstan: Court Upholds Harsh Sentences for Temirov Live Journalists in Politically Motivated Case
December 18, 2024 - Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
On December 18, 2024, the Bishkek City Court upheld the sentences for several journalists involved in the Temirov Live case including those serving prison sentences - Makhabat Tajibek kyzy and Azamat Ishenbekov - and those on probation - reporter Aike Beishekeyeva and former reporter Aktilek Kaparov.
Makhabat Tajibek kyzy was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to six years in prison for allegedly inciting mass unrest through her investigative reporting at Temirov Live. Despite the lack of credible evidence, prosecutors sought harsh penalties, widely seen as retaliation for exposing government corruption. Aika Beishekeyeva received three years of probation, while others were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Women Press Freedom condemns the court’s decision to uphold these politically motivated charges and demands the immediate release of all unjustly imprisoned journalists.
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