Some Journalists Sentenced to Prison in Case Involving 11 Defendants
The Leninsky District Court of Bishkek has recently held a hearing on the case involving former and current employees of Temirov Live. The judge, Kylychbek Istamkulov, delivered the following verdict:
– Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy sentenced to 6 years in prison
– Azamat Ishenbekov sentenced to 5 years in prison
– Aktilek Kaparov sentenced to 3 years of probation
– Aike Beishekeeva sentenced to 3 years of probation
– Sapar Akunbekov acquitted
– Saipidin Sultanaliev acquitted
– Tynystan Asypbekov acquitted
– Maksat Tazhibek Uulu acquitted
– Zhoodar Buzumov acquitted
– Zhumabek Turdaliev acquitted
– Akyl Orozbekov acquitted
The case stems from a police search of Temirov Live’s office on January 16, during which editorial equipment was seized. Subsequently, 11 current and former employees were detained. The Interior Ministry initiated criminal proceedings against them for allegedly inciting riots based on the content found on the media outlet’s social media pages.
Most of the detained journalists were later placed under house arrest and required to stay in the city. However, four journalists have been in prison for over six months. The defendants in the case, including Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy and Aktilek Kaparov, have been accused of organizing calls for riots, while others have been charged with aiding and abetting these calls. All defendants deny the charges against them.
The case continues to unfold as the journalists maintain their innocence and await further legal proceedings.
