FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vienna, Austria – September 19, 2025 – Freedom for Eurasia strongly condemns the politically motivated sentencing of former Kloop media operators Zhoomart Duulatov and Alexander Alexandrov to five years in prison by the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek on September 17, 2025. Two former Kloop accountants received three-year probation sentences in the same case.
The convictions, ostensibly based on charges of inciting unrest related to five YouTube videos produced by investigative journalist Bolot Temirov on his Temirov Live channel, are a blatant assault on freedom of expression and independent journalism in Kyrgyzstan. Temirov himself, previously targeted and forced into exile by the Kyrgyz authorities in 2022, has repeatedly stated that the former Kloop operators and accountants had no connection to his content creation.
“The sentencing of Duulatov and Alexandrov is a travesty of justice and a clear act of vengeance against Bolot Temirov and any media outlet associated with him,” said Michael Laubsch, Advocay Director at Freedom for Eurasia. “These individuals are being punished for content they did not create, publish, or have any editorial control over. The entire case is built on fabricated evidence and unsubstantiated claims.”
Key concerns highlighted by Freedom for Eurasia:
- Lack of Evidence: The prosecution failed to present any credible evidence linking the defendants to the creation, production, or dissemination of the Temirov Live videos. Testimony from experts and witnesses failed to establish any connection between the defendants and the allegedly inciting content.
- Forced Confessions: The operators initially confessed their guilt, but stated they were coerced and did so in exchange for house arrest.
- Political Motivation: The prosecution’s case appears to be driven by a desire to silence critical voices and intimidate journalists from collaborating with Temirov Live or other independent media outlets. A government official even suggested this in his Facebook posts.
- Irrelevant Evidence: The prosecution presented evidence unrelated to the defendants’ actions, including Temirov’s whereabouts and details about Kloop Media, despite the defendants working for Koomar Media at the relevant time.
- Flawed Legal Process: The defense attorneys detailed numerous inconsistencies and procedural violations during the trial, highlighting the lack of a fair and impartial process.
Freedom for Eurasia views this case as part of a broader pattern of repression against independent media and civil society in Kyrgyzstan, aimed at silencing dissent and stifling investigations into government corruption and human rights abuses. The organization is deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of Duulatov and Alexandrov and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
“We urge the Kyrgyz authorities to overturn these unjust convictions and ensure that all journalists can work freely and without fear of reprisal,” said Michael Laubsch, Advocacy Director at Freedom for Eurasia. “The international community must stand in solidarity with independent media in Kyrgyzstan and condemn these blatant attempts to silence critical voices.”
Kyrgyz government must:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Zhoomart Duulatov and Alexander Alexandrov.
- Guarantee the safety and well-being of all journalists and media workers in Kyrgyzstan.
- Uphold freedom of expression and ensure a safe and enabling environment for independent media.
A Call for Targeted Sanctions:
Freedom for Eurasia urges democratic governments who have enacted Magnitsky-style legislation and Kashoggi laws to seriously consider imposing targeted sanctions against individuals within the Kyrgyz government and judiciary responsible for orchestrating and carrying out the persecution of these journalists. Such actions would send a strong signal that these abuses will not be tolerated and that there will be consequences for those who undermine freedom of expression and the rule of law.
