1. Investigative journalism Kyrgyzstan – The Diplomat
2. Government corruption Kyrgyzstan – The Diplomat.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Temirov Live, an investigative outlet and a member of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), faced a crackdown earlier this year while investigating projects under the Kyrgyz Presidential Administrative Directorate. The outlet’s employees were arrested following a raid in January, marking the culmination of years of pressure on Temirov Live. This pressure peaked in November 2022 when the outlet’s leader, Bolot Temirov, was deported to Russia after being stripped of his Kyrgyz citizenship.
Allegations of Corruption
Each instance of pressure on Temirov Live coincided with a new investigation by the outlet, often exposing allegations of corruption involving President Sadyr Japarov, his security chief Kamchybek Tashiev, and their associates. A recent investigation conducted by OCCRP, in collaboration with Temirov Live and another independent Kyrgyz outlet, Kloop, revealed concerning findings.
State Projects and Lack of Transparency
The investigation, titled “All the President’s Men” by OCCRP and “The Khan’s Entire Army” by Kloop, highlighted changes made to Kyrgyzstan’s Law on Public Procurement in April 2022. These changes allowed state-owned enterprises to bypass tender procedures, leading to decreased transparency in public spending. The reporters found that state projects, managed by the Presidential Administrative Directorate, were awarded to companies with close ties to President Japarov and his administration.
Centralization of Power
Since assuming power after the October 2020 revolution, President Japarov has concentrated power within his administration, claiming it to be an anti-corruption measure. The Presidential Administrative Directorate, originally tasked with providing support to the president, has expanded its role to oversee major state projects. However, this centralization of power has raised concerns about efficiency and transparency.
Questionable Contracts and Connections
The investigation identified at least 11 major projects initiated by the Japarov government, with some contracts awarded to companies linked to the president’s family or the head of the Presidential Administrative Directorate. One notable example involved Module House, a company involved in various state projects, including construction work at national parks. The company’s ownership and connections raised questions about the allocation of contracts for these projects.
Call for Transparency
The lack of transparency surrounding these state projects has drawn criticism from both the public and members of parliament. Concerns have been raised about the undisclosed expenditure on projects such as the construction of the new Presidential Palace. The investigation highlighted how informal networks have undermined the integrity of the Kyrgyz state.
In conclusion, the recent revelations from the OCCRP, Temirov Live, and Kloop investigation shed light on the challenges posed by corruption and lack of transparency in Kyrgyzstan’s governance. It underscores the importance of independent journalism in holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency in public spending.
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– President’s Men in Kyrgyzstan
– All the President’s Men Diplomat Kyrgyzstan.
