Kyrgyzstan’s high-profile “Letter of 75” case has drawn renewed attention after leaked interrogation videos of suspects, including former State Committee for National Security (SCNS) chief Kamchybek Tashiyev, appeared online. The footage has sparked questions about the investigation, the handling of protected witnesses and the broader campaign targeting figures linked to the former security chief.
According to reports published by Kloop on 17-18 June, the leaked recordings show Tashiyev discussing public dissatisfaction and the possibility of protests. In one version of the footage circulated by local media, he reportedly warned that even mass arrests would not prevent large-scale rallies. Kloop also reported that Tashiyev had previously said he would speak out if the videos became public, although he later declined to comment after the leak.
The recordings reportedly reveal details of the investigation into the so-called “Letter of 75” – an open appeal signed by 75 public figures in February calling on President Sadyr Japarov to move the next presidential election forward to 2026. Investigators allege the letter was linked to an attempt to seize power, while Kloop noted that the leaked material appears to show meetings and requests for signatures rather than evidence of a crime.
The leak has also raised concerns about legal procedures. Kloop reported that the identity of a protected witness, former journalist Nurgazy Anarkulov, was exposed in the footage. Interior Ministry spokesman Sultan Makilov said authorities did not view the spread of the videos as an organised campaign and stated that the recordings’ authenticity had not been officially confirmed. Rights advocates and lawyers cited by Kloop warned that the leak could violate individual rights and compromise legal proceedings.
At a recent court hearing, Tashiyev, former prosecutor-general Kurmankul Zulushev and former parliamentary speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu appeared freely in the courtroom, while other defendants who had signed the letter were held in a glass enclosure. The case also attracted attention after Tashiyev reportedly confronted MP Elvira Surabaldiyeva during proceedings. A proposal to provide her with state protection was later declined by the lawmaker.
The investigation has unfolded alongside a broader series of arrests involving Tashiyev’s relatives, former associates and ex-officials. Most recently, authorities detained his son-in-law Azamat Dyykanbayev, while former MP Kantemir Murzabekov was also arrested in a separate case. Tashiyev himself was removed from his security and cabinet posts in February but has not been detained and remains free to travel.
The continuing arrests suggest pressure on Tashiyev’s political network is unlikely to ease soon. Observers cited in local media believe the investigation could expand further, while the leak itself may intensify debate over the fairness of the case and the conduct of Kyrgyzstan’s security and judicial institutions.
