Kyrgyzstan declares travel ban and fine on Estonian citizen unlawful

Kyrgyzstan's chief prosecutor has officially recognized the travel ban and fine imposed on an Estonian citizen as unlawful, following an appeal to the country's ombudsman. The decision overturns actions taken by the state border guard service earlier this year.

In April, the Estonian citizen, identified only as Andri, was prevented from leaving Kyrgyzstan at the Ak-Zhol border crossing point while attempting to travel to Kazakhstan. Border guards informed him that he required a "departure visa" to exit the country, subsequently imposing a fine for violating migration regulations.

Andri subsequently filed a complaint with Jamila Jamanbajeva, Kyrgyzstan's ombudsman, in early June. The ombudsman's office reviewed the case and determined that the border guards' actions were indeed illegal. This led to the chief prosecutor's office reviewing and ultimately annulling the ban and fine.

The prosecutor's office stated that the border guard's actions were contrary to the law, effectively invalidating the penalty and the restriction placed on the Estonian national's movement.