Prison service denies reports of malnutrition for jailed poet Zhetigen

Kyrgyzstan's State Penitentiary Service (GSIN) has refuted claims circulating about the alleged poor health and malnutrition of jailed poet and akyn Askat Zhetigen. The service asserts that information suggesting Zhetigen is suffering from unsatisfactory health conditions is inaccurate.

According to GSIN, Zhetigen underwent a routine medical examination on March 2, 2026, during which he did not report any health complaints. Officials state that his current condition is assessed as satisfactory, and he has not sought medical attention within the facility. The service maintains that the nutrition provided to inmates adheres to established norms, offering three hot meals daily, with quality checks conducted by responsible staff and medical personnel.

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As of today, his condition is assessed as satisfactory, and he has not approached the medical unit with complaints.

Furthermore, the State Penitentiary Service highlighted that all inmates have the right to receive an unlimited number of parcels and packages, a privilege that Askat Zhetigen also exercises without any restrictions. This statement comes after human rights activist Gulshair Abdurasulova published a letter from Zhetigen alleging a decline in his well-being, including frequent headaches, which he speculated might be linked to the heat or insufficient food.

The GSIN's response aims to counter the narrative presented by Zhetigen and human rights advocates, emphasizing adherence to standards for inmate care, nutrition, and health services within the correctional system.

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The nutrition of convicts is organized according to established norms. Prisoners receive three hot meals a day, and the quality of the dishes is checked by responsible employees and a medical worker before being served.