The head of the investigative group handling the case of 11 journalists has been replaced, confirmed by Bolot Temirov and the court. The team, now consisting of 20 members, has expanded to include investigators from the Oktyabrsky and Sokuluk district police departments, as stated by Bolot Temirov.
Reports indicate that the investigation is now being led by Ulan Zikiraliyev, the deputy chief of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Investigation Service. Additionally, a request to extend the detention period for 10 detained journalists was submitted by the investigator on March 6th.
The detention period has been extended until May 13th for Aikey Beshkeeva, Zhoodar Buzumov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliyev, Maksat Tazhibek Uulu, and Tynystan Asypbekov. It is worth noting that on January 16th, the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted a search at the Temirov Live office, seizing editorial equipment and arresting 11 current and former employees.
Following a "judicial-linguistic examination" of the content on the pages of Temirov Live and "Ait Ait Dese" on social media, a criminal case was initiated on December 30, 2023, under Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic for "Incitement to Mass Disorders." The detained individuals are Mahabat Tazhibek Kyzy, Sapar Akunbekov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliyev, Aktilek Kaparov, Tynystan Asypbekov, Maksat Tazhibek Uulu, Zhoodar Buzumov, Zhumabek Turdaliyev, Aikey Beshkeeva, and Akyl Orozbekov, all former or current employees of Temirov Live.
All 11 detained journalists were remanded in custody for two months until March 13th, spending nearly two weeks in detention centers without being transferred to pre-trial detention facilities. Today, it was announced that Sapar Akunbekov has been placed under house arrest.
