Ex-head of the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan Tashiev overdid it in the fight against dissidents — expert

The former head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Tashiev, who left the country on the morning of February 17, overdid it in the fight against dissidents. This was stated by the former chairman of the State Committee for National Security KR Lieutenant General Keneshbek Duishebayev, Asia Today agency reports.

According to him, the country's president Sadyr Japarov no longer intends to work with Tashiev within the framework of the state apparatus.

Duishebaev added that Tashiev was overly focused on internal problems and the suppression of dissidents.

"He began to pay attention to internal problems, led the fight against dissent, restricted freedom of speech. Starting from teachers, ending with prostitutes. Personally, I would give a negative assessment. As never before, the secret service interfered in internal affairs, persecuted bloggers, activists and those who criticize the authorities. They were trying to survive, this is unacceptable," the general said.

At the same time, another general, former Deputy chairman of the State Committee for National Security KR Arthur Medetbekov noted that the meeting between Japarov and Tashiev could have prevented a split in society.

"If their conversation really took place and they treated each other with understanding in the name of the tranquility of the country, then this is good news. Peace and security are paramount for our country. Especially after three coups, there was a lot of blood. Especially in the current crisis and turbulent international situation," Medetbekov said.

On February 10, 2026, by the decree of the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, Kamchybek Tashiev was relieved of the posts of Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Committee for National Security.