Arrests of Opposition Politicians in Kyrgyzstan Sparks Outcry Ahead of Elections
On November 22, law enforcement agencies in Kyrgyzstan launched a large-scale special operation, detaining several opposition politicians, their relatives, and media representatives. The actions were carried out under criminal proceedings initiated under Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, “Organization of Mass Unrest”. In three cases, the authorities also alleged attempts to “violently seize power” in what has become an increasingly familiar mantra. The scope of the operation and the number of individuals involved have drawn significant public attention. The arrests come just days before the parliamentary elections scheduled for November 30, prompting concerns among observers about the government's approach to managing opposition voices and maintaining stability during the electoral cycle. Official Version According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a “destructive group” was preparing to stage mass protests following the announcement of the election results in the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament). The group allegedly included politicians, former deputies, civil servants, and law enforcement officials. Investigators claim the suspects attempted to recruit members of the criminal underworld and sports organizations to provoke violent clashes. The ministry alleges that the planned unrest would start in the south of the country and then spread to Bishkek and other regions, creating an “effect of mass discontent.” The group reportedly operated through a defined structure, with “coordination groups” tasked with articulating political demands and criminal organizations responsible for applying pressure. Some participants allegedly pre-assigned themselves roles in a proposed political configuration. Investigators also claim the group intended to issue “unconstitutional appeals” and possibly seize government buildings, television channels, law enforcement facilities, weapons, and penitentiary institutions. Separately, the Interior Ministry announced the arrest of Social Democratic Party leader Temirlan Sultanbekov and said he had been charged with organizing mass riots. Waves of Searches and Detentions Local media reported that Kadyrbek Atambayev, the son of former President Almazbek Atambayev, and former first lady Raisa Atambayeva were brought in for questioning. Raisa Atambayeva was released later the same day. Former head of the State Service for Combating Economic Crimes, Syimyk Zhapykeyev, was detained in the Issyk-Kul region and transported to Bishkek for questioning before also being released that evening. Searches were conducted at the home of former deputy Shailoobek Atazov, while other prominent figures, including former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and ex-MP Kubanychbek Kadyrov, and the former CEO of the April TV channel, Dmitry Lozhnikov, were also questioned. Authorities linked Lozhnikov to the detained politicians. The Interior Ministry stressed that all actions were authorized by court orders and were part of an ongoing investigation into the organization of mass riots. Court Rulings: Arrests and Preventive Detentions On November 23, the Pervomaisky District Court in Bishkek issued preventive detention orders for ten individuals, including Temirlan Sultanbekov, Shailoobek Atazov, Ermek Ermatov, Damir Musakeev, Kadyrbek Atambayev, Kubanychbek Kadyrov, and businessman Urmat Baryktabasov (also known as Askarbekov). The identities of three additional detainees have not been publicly disclosed. Kadyrbek Atambayev has been remanded in custody until January 17, 2026, according to his lawyer Sergei Slesarev, who confirmed that...
