Supreme Court to Hear Case Against Temirov Live Journalists on February 25
The Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan to Hear Appeal of Imprisoned Journalists
The Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan is set to consider the appeal of the lawyers representing journalists Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy and Azamat Ishenbekov, who were arrested in January 2024. The hearing is scheduled for February 25 at 10.30 a.m., as reported by the Kylym Shamy Public Foundation.
The journalists, along with nine others, were charged with calls for mass riots and were arrested earlier this year. They are all either current or former members of the team of investigative journalist Bolot Temirov. In October 2024, the Leninsky District Court of Bishkek handed down a verdict, sentencing Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy to six years in prison and Azamat Ishenbekov to five years. Two others received three years of probation, while the rest were acquitted.
Human rights activists have called on the people of Kyrgyzstan to show their support for the journalists by writing letters to the President, the Supreme Court, and the Prosecutor General’s Office. Representatives of Kylym Shamy will deliver these letters to the respective authorities in hopes of influencing the outcome of the appeal hearing.
The case has garnered significant attention both locally and internationally, with many expressing concerns about the freedom of the press and the protection of journalists in Kyrgyzstan. The upcoming appeal hearing will be closely watched as a pivotal moment for press freedom in the country.
