The Ombudsman Identified Violations at the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Nationals

On 28 October 2025, staff of the Ombudsman’s Institute conducted a monitoring visit to assess the observance of the rights of detained foreign nationals. However, access to the Center was obstructed by the supervising authority.
An official report was drawn up and submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office. Subsequently, the Military Prosecutor’s Office issued a submission to the competent state authority to remedy the legal violations, and the responsible official was subjected to disciplinary action.
Only after this, on 3 November 2025, the Ombudsperson’s Institute was able to carry out the monitoring at the Center. The inspection revealed serious violations of detention conditions and the rights of foreign nationals.
At the time of the monitoring, 160 persons were held in the Center. Sanitary and hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory. Indoor toilets were closed, and only three portable toilets were installed in the courtyard.
The Center consists of two blocks without a heating system; air conditioners are installed but function in only four rooms, while the rest are in disrepair, resulting in low temperatures in most помещений.
The shower facilities located in the courtyard are makeshift, temporary structures in the form of tents.
It was also noted that detainees prepare their own food outdoors, despite the presence of a staff cook. This indicates a failure by the responsible authorities to ensure balanced and safe nutrition.
In addition, detainees do not have access to legal assistance or communication, as their mobile phones have been confiscated and alternative means of communication are prohibited. They are therefore unable to contact relatives, lawyers, or interpreters.
This constitutes a violation of Article 61 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as Article 13-1 of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On State-Guaranteed Legal Aid,” which guarantees the right to qualified legal assistance to foreign citizens and stateless persons.
Following the monitoring, an official submission was sent to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, recommending the implementation of comprehensive measures to address the identified violations.