Freedom for Eurasia strongly condemns the recent arrest of independent journalist Kanyshai Mamyrkulova by the Bishkek police on charges of “inciting mass unrest” and “stirring interethnic hatred.” This arrest represents continious violation of the freedom of speech, opression of press freedom and human rights abuses in Kyrgyzstan.
According to the official statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, authorities identified a social media user under the name “Kanyshai Mamyrkulova” who allegedly disseminated false information about the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, destabilized the socio-political situation, called for mass unrest, and incited interethnic hatred among neighboring countries and Kyrgyz citizens. The MIA reported that following a forensic linguistic examination, she is charged with Article 278 of the Kyrgyz Criminal Code (“Mass Riots”), and Article 330 (Incitement to racial, national, religious or local hatred) resulting in Mamyrkulova’s detention in the Bishkek Police Detention Center. On March 20, it was revealed that police detained Mamyrkulova at her home. According to relatives, officers posed as potential renters before forcibly taking her into custody. Later, lawyer Nurbek Sydykov confirmed to Azattyk media that Mamyrkulova was being detained for 48 hours.
Mamyrkulova is a journalist who has worked for various media outlets. In recent years, she has been active on social media as an independent journalist, frequently voicing strong criticism of government policies and actions. Her detention has sparked widespread concern among journalists, human rights activists, and political figures, who are calling for her immediate release or, at the very least, house arrest due to concerns about her well-being.
On March 20, 2025 GUVD Bishkek published a Facebook post with picture of Mamyrkulova and attached some of the screenshots of her social media posting.
The screenshots of Mamyrkulova’s posts published by the Bishkek Main Directorate of Interior (GUVD) have no criminal content in them. It appears that her detention is retaliation against her by the current Kyrgyz authorities for her criticism.
In her own words, Mamyrkulova has declared her innocence, stating:
“Dear people of Kyrgyzstan! The border does not belong to me or any one person, it belongs to all of us. I have committed no crime. I expressed my opinion to uphold principles, defend our land, and protect national interests. Before God, before our ancestors, before the people, I am not guilty.”
On March 22, Sverdlovsky District Court in Bishkek issued a two-month detention order against her. The court session was held behind closed doors without the presence of Mamyrkulova’s lawyer. She is currently held in a detention facility in Bishkek.
Freedom for Eurasia demands the immediate release of Kanyshai Mamyrkulova and calls on Kyrgyz authorities to uphold press freedom and the right to free expression. We urge international organizations, media groups, and human rights defenders to speak out against this injustice and ensure that Kyrgyzstan remains a country that respects democratic values and human rights.
