Arstan Alai
Self-proclaimed spiritual leader former presidential candidate
Died in prison on 5 January 2024
Article 299 – Incitement of religious hatred (extremism) of the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan
Arstan Alai was arrested by the State Committee for National Security on charges of inciting religious hatred. He had previously made controversial public statements, including claiming divine status. Shortly after his arrest, he was transferred to Correctional Facility No. 31 in Chui Region. On 5 January 2024, he was found dead in custody. Authorities stated that he died by suicide, but the circumstances of his death were never fully clarified. The Prosecutor General’s Office launched an investigation into possible negligence by prison staff, and several officials were charged, but no transparent final report has been published.
Alai was initially held in pre-detention centre -1 in Bishkek and later transferred to Colony No. 31. Contact with his lawyer was limited. After his death, serious concerns were raised about prison safety, supervision, and conditions of detention. Five officials were reportedly investigated for negligence, but the results of the inquiry were not made public.
No official information was released about his physical or mental health prior to his death. There is no evidence that he received medical or psychological support in detention. Human rights groups have emphasized that the lack of transparency around his death raises serious concerns about possible mistreatment, neglect, or failure to provide adequate mental health care.
