Eight prominent human rights organizations have called on Kyrgyzstan’s authorities to ensure the safety of Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, a human rights defender currently imprisoned under politically charged allegations. Tazhibek Kyzy, who directs the media outlet Tazhibek Kyzy, founded by her husband in 2020, has faced threats from a fellow inmate, prompting concerns for her safety.
Her media outlet, known for exposing corruption in Kyrgyzstan, became a target after investigative reports on state and non-state corruption led to her arrest in January 2024. She was charged with organizing mass civil unrest under the Kyrgyz Criminal Code. During pre-trial detention, Tazhibek Kyzy and her cellmates reported physical violence by law enforcement, though authorities dismissed her claims.
In October, she was sentenced to six years in prison, a move widely seen as retaliation for her journalistic work. Human rights groups, including Front Line Defenders and Human Rights Watch, have denounced the charges as baseless and politically motivated.
The organizations have urged Kyrgyzstan’s authorities to take immediate action to protect her from further harm, highlighting her vulnerable position in prison despite some claims that the threat of violence had been addressed. The collective statement from the rights groups underscores the importance of ensuring her well-being and holding the government accountable for her safety.
