Kyrgyz Court Labels Kloop, Temirov Live and AitAit Dese 'Extremist', Bans Their Publications

Overview

• The Oktyabrsky District Court ruling bans the websites of Kloop, Temirov Live and sister project AitAit Dese and prohibits the distribution of their work online.
• The decision also outlaws activities carried out under the leadership or participation of founders Bolot Temirov and Rinat Tukhvatshin.
• This marks the first time Kyrgyzstan has formally designated news organizations as extremist.
• Kloop and Temirov Live are known for anti-corruption investigations and now operate from exile, while several staffers remain imprisoned, including Temirov Live director Makhabat Tajibek kyzy.
• CPJ condemned the ruling and called for its reversal, and Tukhvatshin warned enforcement is unclear, including whether sharing or liking their content could be treated as support for extremism.