Today, in the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek, the measure of restraint for 10 arrested journalists was under consideration. Ultimately, eight individuals remained in detention.
The lawyer representing the director of Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese, Mahabat Tajibek kyzy Ulan Seyitbekov, commented on the court's decision to 24.kg. He also represents the interests of Aike Beishekeeva.
The defense argued that there were no grounds for extending the detention measure, as the document did not specify how the accused could obstruct the investigation. The lawyer also noted a lack of investigative activities for almost a month since the journalists' arrest on January 16.
Furthermore, the lawyer expressed concerns about the delayed questioning of the accused and the lack of information regarding the publication that led to the case.
The detention period until May 13 was also extended for journalists Aktilek Kaparov, Zhoodar Buzumov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliyev, Maxat Tajibek uulu, and Tynystan Asypbekov. Akyl Orozbekov and Zhumabek Turdaliyev were released from custody. It was also reported that Sapar Akunbekov was placed under house arrest.
On January 16, the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted a search at the Temirov Live office, seizing editorial equipment. Subsequently, 11 current and former employees of the publication were detained.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a criminal case was initiated on December 30, 2023, based on a "socio-linguistic examination" of content on the pages of Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese on social media, under Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic for "Incitement to Mass Disorders."
The detained individuals are former or current employees of Temirov Live, and all 11 journalists were placed in pre-trial detention for two months until March 13. They were held in temporary detention facilities for almost two weeks before being transferred to pre-trial detention centers.
