The wife of Bolot Temirov, Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, filed a statement detailing the mistreatment she faced by a prison guard, Aiperi Dzhekshenova. Temirov shared this information on Facebook, revealing that five female inmates, including his wife, were beaten by an operative officer named Akyl Ryskulov at Detention Center-1.
According to Temirov, he was subjected to psychological pressure for three months by the detention center chief, Kudaibergenov, which escalated to physical violence when their goals were not met. On April 5th, Akyl Ryskulov hit Mahabat and twisted her arms. Mahabat described the psychological abuse inflicted on her cellmate, Nazira Kudaibergenova, as well. She witnessed the mistreatment and humiliation of women in the detention center, condemning the staff's behavior.
The State Penitentiary Service denied the beating of Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, stating that they intended to transfer her cellmate to another room, leading to an argument with the staff. On January 16th, the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted a search at Temirov Live's office, confiscating editorial equipment. Subsequently, 11 current and former employees were detained.
Following a "judicial-linguistic examination" of content on Temirov Live and "Ait Ait Dese" social media pages, a criminal case was initiated on December 30, 2023, under Article 278 of the Criminal Code for "Incitement to Mass Disorders." The detained individuals, all affiliated with Temirov Live, were remanded in custody until March 13th. Eight journalists had their detention extended until May 13th.
The detained journalists include Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, Aike Beyshekeeva, Aktilek Kaparov, Joodar Buzumov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliyev, Maxat Tajibek uulu, and Tynystan Asypbekov. They were held in detention for almost two weeks before being transferred to the Detention Center, where their arrest was extended by the court.
