The Captive Words: Kyrgyz Opposition Writer’s Prison Diary
Kyrgyzstan’s Freedom of Speech Faces Rapid Erosion as Activist and Writer Detained
The erosion of freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan has raised concerns among activists and writers, with recent detentions and prosecutions tarnishing the country’s reputation as a haven for dissenting voices. Oljobai Shakir, a 52-year-old activist and writer, was detained by security forces after expressing his opposition to the state’s decision to give four lakeside resorts to Uzbekistan and calling for protests against President Sadyr Japarov.
Shakir’s arrest came shortly after he criticized the government’s controversial transfer of resorts at Lake Issyk-Kul and called for protests. He is now facing charges of inciting mass unrest through social media. Since the arrival of President Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev, the head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), the government has intensified its clampdown on political opposition, independent media, and critical bloggers.
One of Shakir’s notable contributions is his support for transgender rights in a region where discussing LGBT rights is considered taboo. His book, Adam+ (Person+), chronicles his personal journey and the challenges faced by his child during their transition from female to male. He has also established a club for parents and relatives of LGBT youth to raise awareness about the human rights issues faced by sexual minorities in Kyrgyzstan.
Shakir’s imprisonment has not deterred him from speaking out against the government’s actions. In his prison diary, he reflects on his experiences and criticizes the Kyrgyz judicial system, highlighting issues of political interference, corruption, and bribery. He questions why people passively endure the incompetence of judges who consistently favor those in positions of authority.
The conditions in Kyrgyz detention centers have also come under scrutiny through Shakir’s diary entries. He reveals that detainees facing corruption charges are allowed to bring personal belongings into the detention center, and some even refurbish their cells. Shakir raises questions about the ethics of these acts and suggests that they inadvertently contribute to improving the lives of detainees.
The Kyrgyz penal system is known to be neglected, with inhumane conditions prevailing in many prisons and detention facilities. Shakir, before his arrest, operated a literature website where he showcased works by contemporary Kyrgyz writers and aimed to publish a book documenting his experiences behind bars. He intends to use the proceeds to improve the conditions of imprisoned women in the country.
Shakir’s arrest and the erosion of freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan highlight the need for attention to be drawn to human rights issues in the country. The suppression of dissenting voices and the mistreatment of prisoners serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by activists and writers in their fight for justice and freedom of expression.
