On October 18, 2022, one of the most resonant speeches was delivered in Bishkek as part of the international forum “Economy and Business in Central Asia” – a report by entrepreneur and public figure Aida Nusubalieva, head of the company “Vostok Time,” representing the private sector of the Kyrgyz Republic. Her speech was not only a personal testimony, but also an alarming signal about systemic violations that are having a devastating impact on the country’s economic and institutional stability.
In her speech, Aida Nusubalieva openly spoke about the persecution and discrimination she faced because of her religion. One of the episodes she described took place at her recruitment company, when two job candidates, upon learning of her religious affiliation, not only refused to continue interacting with her, but also resorted to threats and physical violence. According to her, this incident is not an isolated one it points to deeply rooted religious intolerance in society and the lack of protection mechanisms on the part of the state.
Nusubalieva stressed that religious discrimination is not an abstract threat, but a reality faced by entrepreneurs, especially women and members of minority groups. Her case, presented at the international forum, illustrated how personal beliefs and religious affiliation can become grounds for hostile actions, both by private individuals and by representatives of state structures.
The report paid particular attention to the role of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, who, according to Nusubalieva, not only fail to act in situations of discrimination, but sometimes become active participants themselves. She cited examples of illegal detentions, pressure, and violence that entrepreneurs experience from the police, often not for legal reasons, but because of personal and religious motives on the part of law enforcement officers.
“I have witnessed police officers colluding with private individuals, breaking the law out of hatred and prejudice. This is not just a violation of rights – it is the destruction of the foundation of any business,” Nusubalieva said.
In her opinion, the prosecutor’s office does not perform its supervisory function and, in some cases, contributes to the violation of rights, which leads to the complete degradation of legal institutions and growing distrust of state structures on the part of business and civil society.
Aida Nusubalieva expressed grave concern about how this situation is affecting the Kyrgyz economy. In the absence of legal guarantees, security, and a non-discriminatory approach to entrepreneurs, the private sector is retreating into the shadows, and international investors are losing confidence in the region. She stressed that the problem of religious discrimination is not only a humanitarian issue, but also an economic one.
“When the authorities themselves violate the law, when banditry becomes the norm at the state level, it is a path to economic collapse. Kyrgyzstan risks losing everything – investment, trust, and its future,” she said.
Aida Nusubalieva’s speech resonated strongly with forum participants, especially representatives of business, NGOs, and international organizations. Calls were made to restore the rule of law, ensure freedom of religion, and guarantee the rights of entrepreneurs as key conditions for sustainable economic growth.
The forum, which brought together representatives from more than 10 countries, confirmed that without a transparent legal system and respect for human rights, it is impossible to develop business and integrate the region into the global economy. Nusubalieva’s speech served as a reminder of the importance of protecting religious freedoms as part of institutional and economic development.
Aida Nusubalieva’s speech at the international forum in Bishkek emphasized that religious discrimination and legal arbitrariness are not only internal problems, but also serious barriers to international economic cooperation. For Central Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan, the issue of ensuring rights and freedoms is a matter of strategic choice: either the path to the rule of law and sustainable growth, or further isolation and loss of trust from partners.
The International Association of Economics and Finance supports the need for comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening the legal framework, protecting entrepreneurs, and complying with international human rights standards, including freedom of religion as an integral part of sustainable economic development.
Zarina Kozhobaeva
October 19, 2022
