Kyrgyzstan: Investigative journalist Bolot Temirov, who was previously detained, was released on bail
In Bishkek, on January 22, Bolot Temirov (an investigative journalist and host of Temirov Live channel) was detained in his office. This became known from the video of his detention, which was circulated online in Kyrgyzstan.
On January 22, the group of Special Rapid Response Detachment arrived at Bolot Temirov’s office. Without explaining anything, its officers conducted searches for several hours, which ended with unexpected success – they found 7 grams of some kind of narcotic substance, according to preliminary data, it was marijuana.
“One by one, they began to search us all. They said that a certain Adylbek kyzy Aiperi stated that a certain Bolot forced her to smoke marijuana. Bolot’s last name wasn’t specified, and then he was asked for his last name (note by the author Bolot Temirov). He said, “Temirov.” And the officers began to draw up a protocol against him that he had forced this girl to take marijuana,” says a journalist who was in the office at the time.
According to her, then the SRRD’s officers put everyone on the floor, not allowing them to get up, and began to check their pockets.
“At some point, they approached Bolot Temirov, checking his back pocket and pulled something out. It was something white in cellophane, presumably drugs. They planted it on him, and then pulled it out,” she continued.
By the time Bolot Temirov was taken out of his office, journalists from various media gathered there. He told them that he has been framed up and the reasons for his persecution were the latest investigation into the clan of Tashiev.
The detention caused a wide public outcry in Kyrgyzstan. As a result, after a night of interrogations, Bolot Temirov was released on bail.
On January 20, an investigation was posted on Temirov Live YouTube channel about the alleged involvement of relatives of the head of the State Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchibek Tashiev, in the activities of the state oil company “Kyrgyzneftegaz” [Kyrgyz oil and gas].
