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The Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs has instigated a criminal case against Khudoyor Nuriddinov, also known as Abu Walid, who is accused of being a member of an international terrorist organization. The announcement was made via the ministry’s press service. Born in 1994 in the Rishtan district of Ferghana, Nuriddinov faces multiple charges under Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, including: Article 155-2: Training or travel for the purpose of terrorist activities, Article 159: Undermining the constitutional order of Uzbekistan, Article 223: Illegal travel abroad or entry into Uzbekistan, Article 244-2: Creation, management, or participation in extremist, separatist, or banned organizations. According to the authorities, Nuriddinov left for Russia in 2016 as a labor migrant, where he became influenced by international terrorist ideologies. He later traveled to Idlib, Syria, where he engaged in propaganda activities. The Uzbek authorities report that his actions led to the deaths of several Uzbek citizens who were recruited and killed in fighting in Syria. Nuriddinov continues to promote jihad through social networks and YouTube, giving a religious pretext for his activities. His accounts and pages are banned in Uzbekistan, and those found storing, distributing, or transporting his content face legal action.
Imamidin Tashov, a Kyrgyz businessman and owner of the KG Group construction company, reportedly attempted suicide during court proceedings in his high-profile case involving allegations of plotting a violent seizure of power. According to media reports, Tashov attempted to slit his throat, prompting an immediate response from those present. Journalists and relatives were swiftly removed from the courtroom, and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that Tashov was carried out of the courthouse to receive medical attention. However, details about his condition and the specific circumstances of the incident remain unclear at this time. Tashov was detained in April 2024 by SCNS officers after illegally crossing the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Authorities allege that he was on his way to the town of Kara-Balta to establish a temporary headquarters and mobilize supporters for protests aimed at seizing power. This is not the first time Tashov has engaged in self-harm. Earlier this year, he injured himself in the abdomen, reportedly sustaining two cuts. His lawyer, Samat Matsakov, claimed that these acts were deliberate attempts to attract public attention. The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) similarly described the previous incident as premeditated and aimed at garnering sympathy. Adding to the controversy, Tashov has accused individuals claiming to be SCNS officers of kidnapping him and demanding a ransom of 100 million Kyrgyz soms ($1.15 million). These allegations have further polarized public opinion and drawn widespread attention to his case. On November 29, Tashov’s lawyer Matsakov was arrested on charges of fraud and document forgery, as reported by The Times of Central Asia. The legal troubles surrounding Tashov and his defense team have only added to the public and media interest in the case. The dramatic developments in Tashov’s case reflect the tensions surrounding his high-profile trial. As questions persist about his actions and the broader implications of his allegations, the case continues to attract significant attention across Kyrgyzstan.
At a recent parliamentary session, Kyrgyz MP Elvira Surabaldiyeva called for the resignation of Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov following the arrest of senior officials from the State Tax Service (STS). The arrests stemmed from allegations of a corruption scheme involving electronic invoices that reportedly cost the state 3.2 billion KGS (approximately U$37 million). Accusations Against the Government Surabaldiyeva directly accused Japarov and his government of corruption. Addressing the Minister of Economy and Commerce present at the session, she questioned the administration’s inability to curb bribery. “You collect money from the people, but you cannot eliminate bribery in your country. Why are you surprised that people don’t trust you?” she said. “The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers has acknowledged that the corruption scheme caused 3.2 billion KGS in damage. This is a colossal amount. At the very least, the Prime Minister should resign, and the head of the tax service should face jail time.” Government Response Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov responded to Surabaldiyeva’s claims on social media, defending the government’s record and arguing that tax collections in Kyrgyzstan have nearly tripled over the past five years due to improved governance and administration. “The people see what their taxes are used for and recognize the state’s development,” Baisalov stated. He added that the era of bribing tax inspectors is over, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a “relentless struggle” against corruption within the state apparatus. Background on Corruption Arrests Earlier, Kyrgyz special services arrested three senior tax officials from the STS, accusing them of orchestrating a systematic corruption scheme. The officials face charges under the article “Abuse of official position”. Despite these measures, the accusations against Japarov’s administration have sparked broader discussions about the government’s ability to effectively combat corruption and restore public trust.
Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS) conducted searches across four district offices of the State Tax Service (STS), detaining several high-ranking employees on allegations of abuse of office. According to the SCNS, 30 tax officials were apprehended, including three of the four heads of the State Tax Service in Bishkek. These officials were placed in the SCNS pre-trial detention center on charges related to fraudulent shipping invoices. “During the inspection, it was revealed that major manufacturers and importers of excisable goods - such as alcohol and tobacco products - recorded revocations and withdrawals of shipping documents in the relevant accounting databases, despite continuing to supply these products predominantly to southern regions of the country,” the SCNS stated. The investigation showed that in 2024 alone, tax officials failed to address numerous instances of revoked shipping invoices amounting to $3.7 million. This reportedly enabled large manufacturers and importers to evade taxes. A criminal case has been initiated under Article 337 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the abuse of official position. Authorities are working to determine the total financial damage caused to the state. Meanwhile, charges are expected to be brought against the detained district heads of the Bishkek STS offices. A court will decide on appropriate legal remedies as the investigation continues.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, has voiced concern over the arrest of lawyer Samat Matsakov in Bishkek. In a statement published on social media platform X, Lawlor highlighted potential violations of procedural safeguards. “Received disturbing news about the arrest of human rights lawyer Samat Matsakov in Kyrgyzstan, which is a clear violation of procedural safeguards for arrest and fair trial standards. Lawyers must be protected from harassment and persecution,” she wrote. Detention and Charges Samat Matsakov was detained on November 29 on fraud charges. However, Matsakov claims he has not been provided with a clear explanation of the allegations against him. During a search of his apartment, an investigator from the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) confiscated a dictaphone and disks connected to a client’s case. The client, Imamidin Tashov, is the former director of the KG Group construction company. Matsakov has been placed in pre-trial detention until December 30. His arrest has sparked criticism from human rights activists and lawyers, who describe it as an unprecedented violation of the law. An appeal against the pre-trial detention order is currently being prepared. Professional Legacy Matsakov is well-known for defending journalists, the akyn (poet-singer) Askat Zhetigen, and various high-profile individuals, including company executives and public figures. His detention has drawn significant attention from human rights organizations and the international community. Critics argue that the arrest reflects broader challenges facing legal professionals in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the need for greater protections to ensure that lawyers can perform their duties without fear of harassment or persecution.
Sultan Abdumalikov, a Kyrgyz citizen hailed for his bravery during a fire in Yekaterinburg, Russia, has been deported due to issues with his documentation. Abdumalikov gained attention on November 18 for rescuing patients and staff during a fire at Polyclinic No. 2, where he risked his own life to evacuate victims from the burning building. He suffered from smoke inhalation during the incident, which also brought him to the notice of law enforcement. A subsequent document check revealed that Abdumalikov lacked the required labor contract to legally remain in Russia. While police officers praised his heroism, a decision was made to deport him. Abdumalikov had hoped to resolve his legal issues and remain in the country but was ultimately unsuccessful. Upon his return to Kyrgyzstan, Abdumalikov faced significant challenges. Blacklisted for violating Russian immigration laws, he has been unable to secure stable employment. Providing for his family, including four children, has become increasingly difficult.
