Kyrgyzstan: Journalists Among Seven Detained in GKNB Raid

Kyrgyzstan: Seven Detained, Including Journalists, Amidst Political Tensions BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — In a concerning development, seven individuals, including journalists and their associates, were detained on May 28, 2025, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The arrests were carried out by the GKNB, Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security, sparking widespread concern among media organizations and human rights advocates. The video footage shows several individuals being apprehended by GKNB officers. The reasons for the detentions remain unclear, but the timing coincides with ongoing political tensions in the country. "The arrests are a blatant attack on press freedom," stated Bakyt Avtandil, a lawyer representing some of the detainees. "There is no evidence to justify these actions." The incident has drawn international attention, with calls for a transparent investigation into the matter. The lack of immediate explanation from the GKNB has fueled speculation about the motives behind the detentions. The situation underlines the delicate balance between national security and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan.