The Bishkek City Court has extended journalist Saipidin Sultanaliyev's detention in the capital's pre-trial detention center until May 12. His lawyer had requested a change to house arrest citing health issues and family responsibilities, but the court did not consider these arguments.
Saipidin Sultanaliyev is one of 11 media workers arrested in January this year, all accused of inciting mass disorder and violence against citizens. The arrests followed a police raid on the Temirov Live office where editorial equipment was seized, and 11 current and former employees were detained.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that a criminal case was initiated on December 30, 2023, based on a "socio-linguistic examination" of content on Temirov Live and "Ait Ait Dese" social media pages, under Article 278 of the Kyrgyz Republic's Criminal Code for incitement to mass disorder.
Among the detained journalists are Mahabat Tajibek kyzy, Sapar Akunbekov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliyev, Aktilek Kaparov, Tynystan Asypbekov, Maxat Tajibek uulu, Zhodar Buzumov, Zhumabek Turdaliyev, Aike Beyshekeyeva, and Akyl Orozbekov. They were all either current or former employees of Temirov Live and were initially remanded in custody for two months.
Two journalists have been released, with Akyl Orozbekov under house arrest and Zhumabek Turdaliyev subject to a travel ban. They believe the court's decisions were fair and just.
