Kyrgyzstan's 'Case 75' Trial Goes Public After Defendants' Demand for Open Proceedings

The high-profile criminal case known as 'Case 75' in Kyrgyzstan, involving former senior officials, has transitioned from a closed to an open trial after the defendants themselves pushed for public proceedings. The case includes charges of preparation for the forcible seizure of power against eight individuals, including former State Committee for National Security (GKNB) head Kamchybek Tashiev, former Prosecutor General Kurmankul Zulushev, and former Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh Nurlanbek Shakiev.

Initially, the trial was held behind closed doors to protect the interests of the investigation and the safety of witnesses. However, during the subsequent hearings, the defendants—led by Tashiev, Shakiev, and Zulushev—repeatedly petitioned the court for an open process with public participation. After an initial denial, the court eventually granted their second request, lifting the confidentiality restrictions and allowing the trial to proceed openly from June 15.

Following the shift to open proceedings, videos of the defendants' interrogations during the investigation surfaced on social media, sparking speculation about a possible coordinated campaign to discredit the accused. In response, Sultan Makilov, head of the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, stated that authorities do not view the leak as a deliberate political action and urged against politicizing the matter. Makilov acknowledged that investigators may record video during questioning but admitted he does not know who leaked the materials or how they entered the public domain.

Other defendants in 'Case 75' include Bekbolot Talgarbekov, Kursan Asanov, Aaly Karashev, Emilbek Uzakbaev, and Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev. In addition to the conspiracy charges, Tashiev also faces accusations of abuse of office. The trial, which has drawn significant public attention, is now being conducted in full view of the public and media, with information accessible to the community.