Zhenish Moldokmatov
Politician, public figure, and Chairman of the “Turan” Democratic Party.
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.
1. May 6, 2021 — Arrest in connection with the October 2020 events
Moldokmatov was arrested under Article 245 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (“Seizure of buildings and structures”). The charges were linked to the political unrest and protests of October 2020. Later, investigators added further charges under multiple provisions of the Criminal Code:
Article 264 — Organizing mass riots
Article 257 — Theft or extortion of firearms
Article 309 — Attempt to seize power by force
Article 355 — Threats or violence against a government official
2. October 23, 2022 — “Kempir-Abad” case
Moldokmatov was also detained as part of the “Kempir-Abad” case, facing additional charges:
Article 278 — Organization of mass riots
Article 327 — Calls for the violent seizure of power
In 2021, Zhenish Moldokmatov was charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic in connection with the October 2020 events:
Article 245 — “Seizure of buildings and structures”
Article 264 — “Organizing mass riots”
Article 257 — “Theft or extortion of firearms”
Article 309 — “Seizure of power by force”
Article 355 — “Threats or violence against a government official”
Initially, he was accused of “attempting to seize the building of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS).” Later, the charges were amended and reclassified as “organizing mass riots during the October events.” Moldokmatov’s lawyer, Kantemir Turdaliev, described these charges as politically motivated persecution and stated that Moldokmatov had refused to testify.
However, in the public sphere, many believed that the real reasons for his detention were Moldokmatov’s open stance on border issues, including his criticism of the government regarding the Kempir-Abad matter.
During the unrest of October 9, 2020 in Bishkek, accusations were made that firearms were used and that violence was committed against certain groups and state representatives. These events ultimately led to a change of power in the country.
On December 6, 2023, the First May District Court of Bishkek acquitted Zhenish Moldokmatov of all charges. The court ruled that the accusations were unfounded and that there was insufficient evidence. As a result of the trial, Moldokmatov was fully acquitted and was also awarded compensation from the state.
In addition, on October 23, 2022, Moldokmatov was arrested again in connection with the Kempir-Abad case. He was charged under:
Article 278 — “Organizing mass riots”
Article 327 — “Calls for seizure of power by force”
This case, linked to nationwide protests against the transfer of the Kempir-Abad reservoir to Uzbekistan, remains one of the most politically significant in Kyrgyzstan.
After his arrest in May 2021, Zhenish Moldokmatov was kept in harsh detention conditions for an extended period. While in SIZO-1, he went on hunger strike in July 2021 to protest his detention, which lasted more than 10 days. During this time, his condition became critical, and on August 5 he was taken to the National Cardiology and Therapy Center in Bishkek. Later, he was moved from SIZO-1 to Correctional Facility No. 47 for further treatment, but he was eventually returned to SIZO-1, where he continued to face stress, physical strain, and poor detention standards. In August 2023, while under investigation in the Kempir-Abad case, he again declared a hunger strike along with other detainees, further worsening his fragile state.
The repeated hunger strikes, long-term stress, and poor detention conditions caused Moldokmatov’s health to deteriorate significantly. He developed heart, kidney, and stomach problems and required hospitalization. Doctors at the National Cardiology Center confirmed serious heart conditions, and he later underwent surgery at the private “Bikard” clinic. While the operation was successful, his health never fully recovered, and he remained vulnerable to further complications. Stress, inadequate recovery, and lack of consistent medical care contributed to ongoing cardiovascular issues and general physical weakness.
