Press Release/Update
19.11.2024
On November 18, 2024, a prominent Kyrgyz civil society activist and critic of the Kyrgyz government, Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu (also known as Tilekmat Kurenov), has gone missing in Dubai under alarming circumstances. He reappeared 24 hours later and shared with Freedom for Eurasia that he was arrested by Dubai police.
Kyrgyz investigative journalist Bolot Temirov has uncovered evidence of a Kyrgyz government plane departing Bishkek for Dubai around the same time Kudaibergen uulu was arrested. The flight has not yet returned to Kyrgyzstan, raising further concerns about potential political interference.
Kudaibergen uulu was reportedly lured to Dubai by a former Kyrgyz Member of Parliament, arriving on November 11 and staying in the same hotel as the politician. After the MP hastily returned to Bishkek, Tilekmat realized his passport was missing and filed a report with Dubai Police. He suspects the MP in question has stolen his passport to ensure that he does not flee anywhere until Kyrgyz authorities can extradite him.
On the evening of November 18, Kudaibergen uulu was in his hotel, chatting with his wife via WhatsApp, when he disappeared at approximately 9 PM Dubai time. His wife has been unable to reach him until he re-appeared the next day.
According to Freedom for Eurasia’s information, Tilekmat was arrested by Dubai police on November 18 as a result of a call that reported him for possession and use drugs in the hotel room. The police carried out the necessary tests whicih came out negative and concluded that the call was a false report aimed at getting Tilekmat arrested. During detention, the police also informed him that there was an extradition request for him and that Kyrgyzstan was trying to bring him back. Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu was eventually released on November 19 after nearly 24 hours detention and interrogation.
After his release Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu was subjected to severe cyber bullying on social media by bots and trolls reportedly controlled by Presidential administration.
Background on Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu (Kurenov)
Kudaibergen uulu rose to prominence as a vocal critic of the president Sadyr Japarov and the head of the Kyrgyz SCNS Kamchybek Tashiev. In 2021, he opposed constitutional changes that granted Japarov almost unlimited power and the development of the Zhetim-Too deposit in Kyrgyzstan. In March 2021, the activist was detained and imprisoned – the court found him guilty of “public calls for violent seizure of power,” “attempted mass riots,” and “attempt to bribe voters” and sentenced him to 1.5 years’ imprisonment. These charges stemmed from his role in organizing a peaceful rally against proposed constitutional changes in Bishkek. Kudaibergen uulu was a member of the Kempir-Abad Defence Committee and opposed the transfer of the reservoir to Uzbekistan. The activist also participated in protests in support of detainees in the Kempir-Abad case while in the United States.
Kudaibergen uulu was released in September 2022 after serving his sentence but fled Kyrgyzstan in October 2022, citing concerns over the mass detentions of political activists. He applied for asylum in the United States in 2023. In January 2024, Kyrgyz authorities accused him of plotting a coup and declared him wanted, along with businessman Imamidin Tashov. These accusations led to the questioning and detention of dozens of individuals believed to be linked to Kudaibergen uulu. Since the beginning of 2024 many supporters and followers of Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu were subjected to arrests.
Kudaibergen uulu’s arrest and extradition case raises significant concerns about the safety of political exiles and activists critical of authoritarian regimes. This incident underscores the risks faced by dissidents abroad, even in countries considered neutral ground.
Freedom for Eurasia strongly urges the authorities of the United Arab Emirates and the United States to act swiftly to ensure Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu’s safety and prevent his forced return to Kyrgyzstan, where he faces a high risk of persecution for his criticism of the government. His wife and children, currently residing in the United States, await his safe return to reunite their family.
For more information, please contact:
Freedom for Eurasia, freedomeurasiafreedomeurasia@protonmail.com
