In a pressing appeal, eight human rights organisations are calling for the immediate protection of Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, a human rights defender and director of Temirov Live, who faces death threats from a fellow inmate. Convicted for allegedly inciting mass unrest, Tazhibek Kyzy’s situation worsened following her arrest in January 2024 as she encounters harassment and threats while imprisoned. Her husband, Bolot Temirov, now in exile, shared a handwritten note detailing these threats, including attempts on her life and public denigration by another prisoner, who is serving a lengthy 25-year sentence for murder.
Despite her alarming declarations, Kyrgyz authorities, including the State Penitentiary Service, dismissed her claims, asserting that she is not in danger. They insist that the threatening inmate is held under strict conditions and separate from others. Recent visits by the National Center for the Prevention of Torture and the National Ombudsperson’s Office suggested that the issue was resolved, leaving Tazhibek Kyzy no further complaints. Nevertheless, concerns over her vulnerability in the prison environment remain pronounced, echoing the realities of the harsh conditions she faces.
Tazhibek Kyzy, alongside her colleagues from Temirov Live, was arrested amidst a concerning crackdown on independent media and civil society in January 2024. The politically motivated charges led to a sentence of six years against her, framed as retaliation for her investigative work. Human rights groups are vocal, insisting that the unjust sentences be overturned to safeguard press freedom and protect those unjustly imprisoned.
Prisons in Kyrgyzstan notoriously embody danger and are often sites of torture, with numerous cases of fatalities among political prisoners due to inadequate medical treatment. Previous tragedies like the death of Azimjan Askarov highlight the severe health crises faced by those incarcerated. Authorities are urged to take vigorous actions to ensure Tazhibek Kyzy’s safety amid alarming prison conditions, as global human rights advocates intensify their calls for justice.
The European Union’s delegation is encouraged to confront Kyrgyz authorities about Tazhibek Kyzy’s plight, demanding a concise response to her threats. This movement aims to galvanise support for accountability and protect the valued voices of journalists in Kyrgyzstan against the backdrop of escalating repression. The coalition of human rights organisations encompasses notable entities such as the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and Human Rights Watch, united in their resolve to defend press freedoms in an increasingly hostile landscape.
Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, an imprisoned journalist in Kyrgyzstan, faces death threats from a fellow inmate. Despite her urgent pleas for help, authorities have downplayed her situation, asserting no threats exist. Human rights groups demand her release, claiming her charges are politically motivated as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in the country. The situation calls for international intervention to safeguard her safety amid deteriorating prison conditions.
Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy’s plight shines a light on the dire conditions faced by imprisoned journalists and human rights defenders in Kyrgyzstan. Despite statements from authorities dismissing her concerns, the ongoing threats highlight a critical need for robust protections. The international community’s involvement underscores the urgency for Kyrgyzstan to rectify its approach to human rights and uphold the safety of its citizens, particularly those who dare to speak out against injustice.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
