Kyrgyz poet, komuz player, and social activist Askat Zhetigen, convicted under the article on “calls for the violent seizure of power,” reported that he had been subjected to violence and ill-treatment in Penitentiary No. 27, where he is serving his sentence.

His written appeal indicates possible serious human rights violations, including the use of physical force, illegal placement in a punishment cell, and repression for appealing to the Ombudsman.

Who is Askat Zhetigen

Askat Zhetigen (born in 1993) is a Kyrgyz poet, composer, komuz player, and social activist. Since 2021, he has published video speeches and appeals criticizing the authorities and raising issues of social justice and public administration.

On March 16, 2024, he was detained by the State Committee for National Security.

On July 1, 2024, the Sverdlovsk District Court of Bishkek found him guilty under Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (“Calls for the violent seizure of power”) and sentenced him to three years in prison.

A number of human rights defenders consider his case to be politically motivated persecution related to the expression of his opinion.

Report of physical violence

In his appeal, Zhetigen reports that on March 2, 2026, an employee of the institution used physical force against him. According to him, he was pushed, subjected to physical force, and then placed in a punishment cell (SHIZO) without explanation.

According to the prisoner, the formal reason for this was accusations that he allegedly “influences other convicts” and “engages in agitation.”

Zhetigen himself rejects these accusations and claims that he did not commit any illegal acts.

The use of physical force without legal grounds and without proper documentation may qualify as cruel and degrading treatment.

Repression for appealing to the Ombudsman

Of particular concern is Zhetigen’s statement that the pressure increased after he appealed to representatives of the Ombudsman.

He claims that:

• after the Ombudsman’s visit, the administration’s attitude changed dramatically;
• control over him was tightened;
• his access to the gym was restricted;
• psychological pressure was applied;
• before inspections, prisoners were allegedly instructed to say that “everything is fine.”

If these facts are confirmed, this could indicate repression for exercising the right to file a complaint, which is a gross violation of national law and international standards.

Illegal placement in solitary confinement

According to Zhetigen, his placement in solitary confinement occurred without proper explanation of the reasons and without a transparent procedure.

Detention in solitary confinement without legal grounds, especially when combined with physical abuse and restricted exercise, can be considered a form of pressure and ill-treatment.

He reports that exercise was limited to one hour per day and that conditions of detention remained harsh.

Reports of systemic violations

In his letter, Zhetigen also points to possible violations within the institution:

• selective application of the regime;
• unequal conditions for prisoners;
• problems with the use of resources (including those related to food and material support);
• possible prior instruction of prisoners before inspections.

Such allegations require independent and objective verification.

Legal assessment

If the facts described are confirmed, this could constitute:

• a violation of the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment;
• a violation of the prisoner’s right to lodge a complaint without risk of reprisals;
• abuse of disciplinary measures;
• excessive use of authority by staff members.

The Kyrgyz Republic is a party to the Convention against Torture and is obliged to conduct an effective, independent, and impartial investigation into any allegations of violence.

Demands of the human rights community

Given the seriousness of the allegations, the following is required:

• immediate verification of the use of force;
• medical examination of Askat Zhetigen by independent specialists;
• verification of the legality of his placement in solitary confinement;
• guarantees of no further reprisals for appealing to supervisory authorities;
• public legal assessment of the actions of the institution’s employees.

The case of Askat Zhetigen continues to raise serious concerns in the context of freedom of expression and the treatment of political prisoners in Kyrgyzstan.

Any form of torture, pressure, or ill-treatment is unacceptable and requires an immediate response from the state.