Press Release
19.11.2024
Prominent Kyrgyz activist and critic of the Kyrgyz government, Tilekmat Kudaibergen uulu (also known as Tilekmat Kurenov), has gone missing in Dubai under alarming circumstances. Kurenov, who fled Kyrgyzstan in 2022 and applied for asylum in the United States in 2023, has been out of contact since the evening of November 18.
Kurenov was reportedly invited 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 returned to Bishkek, Kurenov realized his passport was missing and filed a report with Dubai Police.
On the evening of November 18, Kurenov 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 since.
Kyrgyz investigative journalist Bolot Temirov has uncovered evidence of a plane departing Bishkek for Dubai around the same time Kurenov went missing. The flight has not yet returned to Kyrgyzstan, raising further concerns about potential political interference.
Background on Tilekmat Kurenov
Kurenov rose to prominence as a vocal critic of president, Sadyr Japarov and the head of the Kyrgyz SCNS, Kamchybek Tashiev. In 2021, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for Facebook posts critical of the government, charged under Kyrgyzstan’s Criminal Code for “public calls for violent seizure of power,” “attempted mass riots,” and “attempt to bribe voters.” These charges stemmed from his role in organizing a peaceful rally against proposed constitutional changes in Bishkek.
Kurenov was released in September 2022 after serving his sentence but fled Kyrgyzstan in October 2022, citing concerns over the mass detentions of political activists. 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 Kurenov.
Kurenov’s disappearance 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 Kurenov’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
