Aidanbek Akmatov
Journalist and analyst. Aidanbek has worked with Azattyk media and other media outlets and is the author of numerous articles on politics and economics in Kyrgyzstan.
House detention on Kempir Abad case.
Currently, the case is under review in the city court (second instance), and a verdict has not yet been delivered.
Charged under Article 278 — organizing mass riots;
Article 327 — calls for the violent seizure of power.
In 2022, a group of activists, opposition politicians, journalists, and public figures were detained in Kyrgyzstan for protesting the government’s decision to hand over the Kempir-Abad reservoir to Uzbekistan. The events, later referred to as the “Kempir-Abad case,” sparked wide public outrage.
Although Aidanbek Akmatov was not among the initial organizers, he stated that he was present at the events as a journalist covering the protests. Nevertheless, on 23 October 2022, he was detained alongside the group and later accused in connection with the “Committee for the Protection of Kempir-Abad.” He was charged under Article 36-278 of the Criminal Code (“Preparation for organizing mass riots”).
October 2022 – detained and placed in pre-trial detention (SIZO-1) by decision of the Pervomaisky District Court in Bishkek.
2023 – his detention was repeatedly extended; he spent 1 year and 8 months in custody.
June 14, 2024 – acquitted by the court. His case remains under review in the second instance as part of the broader “Kempir-Abad case.”
During his time in pre-trial detention (SIZO-1), Aidanbek Akmatov faced harsh conditions that directly affected his well-being. He did not have sufficient access to proper medical care, and continuous medical supervision was absent, making it difficult to properly assess his health. Essential medication was not provided regularly, and the shortage of medical staff contributed to the deterioration of his condition. Stressful detention conditions overcrowded cells, poor ventilation, and lack of sanitation further undermined his physical state and created serious risks.
As a result of the inadequate detention conditions and periods of hunger strike, Akmatov’s health significantly worsened. The lack of timely and adequate medical care posed additional threats to his safety. He required consistent medical attention, proper medication, and continuous monitoring to stabilize his condition and prevent further complications.
