In a significant development in Kyrgyzstan, four individuals, including a local journalist and a municipal press officer, were detained on charges related to the recruitment of mercenaries for armed conflicts abroad. The detentions, which occurred on April 19, 2025, only became public knowledge three days later, on April 22, when the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek announced that the suspects would remain in custody until June 17, 2025.
The detained individuals include Sergei Lapushkin, a photographer with the press service of the Osh mayor's office, and Natalya Sekerina, who worked at the Russian House in Osh, a representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo. The identities of the other two detainees have not been disclosed. The charges against them fall under Part 1 of Article 416 of the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan, which pertains to the recruitment, financing, and training of mercenaries for participation in armed conflicts or violent actions aimed at undermining the constitutional order and territorial integrity of the state.
This article is classified as a serious crime, carrying a potential prison sentence of seven to ten years. The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) of Kyrgyzstan is leading the investigation, although they have not provided detailed comments regarding the case.
In a statement released on April 23, 2025, the Russian House in Osh confirmed the detention of Sekerina. The organization expressed concern for her well-being and stated that they lack comprehensive information about the nature of the charges. "Natalya Sekerina is a citizen of Kyrgyzstan and has been with the Russian House since July 2024, responsible for media relations. We know her as a diligent and responsible employee and trust that her rights will be protected," the statement read.
Evgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, characterized the detentions as a "provocation" and expressed determination to secure Sekerina's release. He stated on his Telegram channel, "We will extract her. We do not abandon our own. We have drawn conclusions, and they will be effective and unpleasant."
Previous cases related to mercenary recruitment in Kyrgyzstan have set a concerning precedent. In the past, several citizens have faced prosecution under other provisions of Article 416. Notably, Askar Kubanychbek Uulu was sentenced to ten years in prison in January 2023 for participating in the conflict in Ukraine on the side of the Russian army. However, the Supreme Court later overturned his conviction, and he was released in January 2024 after serving a reduced sentence of seven years, with probationary supervision.
Despite his release, Kubanychbek Uulu managed to flee to Russia, where he signed another contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, intending to return to Ukraine as part of the Russian military. Other individuals have also faced convictions for their involvement in the conflict, including a five-year sentence for one citizen and a release under amnesty for another who fought with the Wagner Group.
On April 10, 2025, the Ukrainian project "I Want to Live" published a list of 360 Kyrgyz citizens who fought alongside Russian forces against Ukraine, revealing that at least 38 of them have died. The list, reportedly obtained from anonymous sources within the Russian army, also includes individuals who are now missing. The ages of those listed range from 18 to 63 years, with the majority having been sent to the conflict between 2023 and 2024.
The current detentions underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding Kyrgyzstan's involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the complex legal landscape surrounding mercenary activities. As the case develops, it raises questions about the implications for civil liberties and the safety of those accused in similar circumstances.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, particularly given the geopolitical ramifications of Kyrgyz citizens participating in foreign conflicts. The GKNB's handling of this case may set a precedent for future legal actions against individuals accused of similar offenses, further complicating Kyrgyzstan's relationship with both Russia and Ukraine.
As this story unfolds, many are left wondering about the fate of the detainees and the broader implications for Kyrgyz society. With calls for transparency and accountability growing, observers are keen to see how the Kyrgyz government will navigate these challenging waters.
