Former Academy of Sciences Employee Zhoomart Karabaev Arrested by Court Order
Prominent Scientist Arrested in Bishkek for Alleged Role in Inciting Mass Riots
In a shocking turn of events, former employee of the Academy of Sciences, Zhoomart Karabaev, has been arrested pending the end of the investigation. The decision was handed down by the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek, following an application for sanction submitted by an investigator from the State Committee for National Security.
Karabaev has been charged with inciting mass riots and will remain in pre-trial detention until August 19. This development comes after his detainment by the SCNS, which was made public earlier.
Human rights activist, Gulshayir Abdirasulova, has raised concerns about Karabaev’s arrest, citing his previous vocal disapproval of the security service’s activities and his refusal to cooperate in various examinations. The lawyer representing Karabaev in this case believes that there is no valid basis for the suspicion of committing the alleged crime and is hopeful that the case will be dropped.
This incident follows Karabaev’s involvement as a witness in the case against publicist Olzhabai Shakir, who was sentenced to five years in prison in May 2024 for his alleged role in preparing for mass riots.
The arrest of Zhoomart Karabaev has sent shockwaves through the scientific community in Bishkek, raising questions about academic freedom and the potential repercussions for researchers who take a stand against authorities. The unfolding investigation will undoubtedly shed more light on the circumstances surrounding this high-profile case.
