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Party Politics

Japarov Signs Decree Stripping Ex-Leader Atambayev of State Honors

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree revoking state awards previously granted to former President Almazbek Atambayev, including the title Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Order of Manas (Second Class), the Order of Danaker, and the Dank medal. The order follows a decision by Bishkek’s Pervomaisky District Court, and authorities have been instructed to confiscate the medals and transfer them to the state awards fund, according to reports citing the presidential press service. Atambayev, who led Kyrgyzstan from 2011 to 2017, has been at the center of long-running criminal and political disputes since leaving office. His fallout with successor, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, culminated in the 2019 Koi-Tash confrontation, when security forces tried to detain him at his residence outside Bishkek, and the clashes left a security officer dead. That episode became part of later court proceedings and deepened the elite polarization in Kyrgyz politics. The immediate legal basis for stripping the awards is tied to a 2025 court verdict. In June, the Pervomaisky District Court sentenced Atambayev in absentia to more than eleven years in prison on charges of corruption and participating in mass unrest, along with confiscation of property and deprivation of state awards. Atambayev has remained abroad since he left Kyrgyzstan for medical treatment, and did not return for the trial proceedings. The latest decision formalizes the court-ordered loss of honors and triggers the administrative step of retrieving medals and certificates, but it does not add a new criminal penalty beyond the existing sentence. The move is also political. State awards carry symbolic weight in Kyrgyzstan, and revocation is rare for former heads of state. By linking the decision explicitly to a court verdict, Japarov’s administration is framing it as enforcement rather than a discretionary act. For Atambayev’s supporters, it is likely to be read as another escalation in a feud that has shaped Kyrgyz politics for years.

Day J

Almaty Hosts Winter Edition of Day J With JingleBendz 2025

On December 12, Almaty hosted the winter edition of Day J, a festive gathering titled JingleBendz 2025 that brought together journalists, public relations specialists, editors, bloggers, and communications professionals from across the country. This year, organizers chose a “Multiverse” theme. Guests arrived dressed as characters from Disney films, anime, and Soviet era cartoons, giving the evening a playful, informal atmosphere. Beyond the entertainment, JingleBendz 2025 served a familiar role in the communications community, a year end moment to take stock of professional milestones and recognize standout work. Informal awards were presented to individuals and teams across several categories. The event was supported by partners and sponsors including Yandex Qazaqstan (general sponsor), Oriflame, KAZ Minerals, First Brewery (Heineken), RG Brands (Salaam Premium Cola), and the VNV Club. [caption id="attachment_40875" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] @2BAgency[/caption] Awards and winners at JingleBendz 2025: Wisest Advisor: Aibar Olzhai, OSCE consultant on national communications in Kazakhstan Most Useful Media Outlet of 2025: Digital Business editorial team, led by Vitali Valianiuk (collective nomination from Yandex Qazaqstan) Most Determined Media Manager: Samal Ibrayeva, founder of Ulysmedia and National Business Most Productive Editor in Chief: Saida Suleeva, Tribune Most Responsive Journalist: Nazira Darimbet Grand Prix, Most Popular Expert: Dosym Satpayev, political scientist, publicist, and publisher Media support was provided by Times of Central Asia, Tribune, BesMedia, Kapital, Zakon.kz, Kursiv, Shishkin_like, National Business, BlueScreen, Profit, Finratings, CheckPoint, newtimes.kz, and aleminform.kz. [caption id="attachment_40876" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] @2BAgency[/caption] Day J and JingleBendz are held twice a year in Almaty, Astana, and regional centers. Now in its 11th year, the initiative has become a key platform for informal networking, partnership building, and recognition within the communications sector. It also functions as a testing ground for new ways of connecting media outlets, public relations agencies, and brands.

Day J

Kazakhstan Marks Media Workers’ Day with “Day J” Festivities

Kazakhstan will celebrate Media Workers' Day on June 28, a professional holiday honoring everyone in the media industry, including reporters, editors, producers, technicians, and executives. Established by presidential decree, the date commemorates the launch of Turkestan Vedomosti, the first official print publication on the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan. It began publishing in Orenburg on June 28, 1870. For the past decade, “Day J” has brought together journalists and PR professionals to recognize outstanding achievements in Kazakhstani media in a creative, informal atmosphere. This year’s event, timed to coincide with Media Workers’ Day, will be held in Almaty on June 27. The Times of Central Asia is proud to serve as an information partner for “Day J,” an initiative inspired and organized by the communications agency 2BAgency. Theme: Romance of the ’90s This summer’s “Day J” will take participants back to the 1990s, an analog era remembered for cassette-recorded interviews, pager messages, single-cigarette purchases, denim-on-denim fashion, and a shared sense of optimism about the future. A highlight of the evening will be the annual Day J Awards, honoring professionals in five categories: Best Reporter Best Business Journalist Best Investigative Journalist Best Blogger Best Presenter Nominees and jury members were selected via the “Day J” Telegram channel and social media, reflecting recognition from within the journalistic community. Partners and Support As in previous years, the event is made possible by key partners. Sponsors of this year’s celebration include: Forte, a systemically important Kazakh bank Eurasia Insurance Company, a market leader Munchen Pub, renowned for its hospitality KazMinerals, one of the country’s top mining firms Tickets.kz, a leading travel platform ARTиШОК, the acclaimed independent theater RG Brands, producers of ASU and AVA beverages First Brewery, makers of Zhiguli Barnoe beer Additional media and organizational support comes from CheckPoint, BesMedia, Shishkin Like, Tribune, Profit, BlueScreen, Finratings, newtimes.kz, Offside.kz, aleminform.kz, optimism.kz, and bizmedia.kz. Following the event, The Times of Central Asia will publish coverage of the Day J Award winners and explore how this year’s celebration contributes to the evolving story of Kazakhstan’s media landscape.