Kyrgyz Ombudswoman Jamilya Dzhamanbayeva has voiced serious concerns over the substandard conditions in the temporary detention center (TDC) in Talas Province. During a recent visit, detainees reported inadequate facilities and breaches of detention standards, according to the Ombudsman Institute.
Dzhamanbayeva revealed that the TDC houses individuals awaiting trial alongside those already charged with crimes—a practice explicitly prohibited under Kyrgyz law.
“At the time of the visit, there were 17 individuals suspected or accused of crimes in the TDC, which has a total capacity of 36 people. Among them, two were women. The TDC is situated in the yard of the Department of Internal Affairs, but in a separate building,” stated the Ombudsman Institute.
Lack of a Dedicated Proper Pre-Trial Facility
The absence of an investigative detention center (IDC) in Talas Province forces authorities to detain pre-trial prisoners in the TDC, mixing them with individuals under investigation. This not only violates national laws but raises significant human rights concerns.
During her visit, Dzhamanbayeva inspected the cells and spoke directly with detainees to assess their conditions. She called on the Kyrgyz government to expedite the construction of a dedicated IDC in Talas Province to comply with international standards and Kyrgyz legal obligations.
Inhumane Living Conditions
The National Center for the Prevention of Torture has also criticized the state of the Talas TDC, identifying severe deficiencies:
- Lack of natural light: Windows are blocked by metal structures, preventing daylight from entering.
- Inadequate sleeping arrangements: Detainees sleep on the floor due to a shortage of beds and bedding.
- Unsanitary environment: The facility suffers from poor hygiene and overall neglect.
These conditions exacerbate the already critical situation for detainees, underscoring the pressing issue of detention standards in Talas Province.
