EU urges Kyrgyzstan to respect international norms in Azimzhan Askarov’s case

The EU delegation in Kyrgyzstan commented on the verdict in the case of human rights defender Azimzhan Askarov, sentenced by the board Chui regional court to life in prison, and called on Kyrgyzstan to respect international norms.

According to representatives of the EU, the court dismissed all elements put forward by the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) in its views published on 21 April 2016, which indicated that Askarov's human rights were violated under a number of articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and called on the Kyrgyz Republic to immediately release Mr Askarov and to quash his conviction.

 Askarov's lawyers have announced that they will appeal the decision of the court.

"The European Union expects the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure that the trial is fully in line with international human rights norms, namely fair trial standards envisaged by Article 14 of the ICCPR and the Criminal Procedure Code of the Kyrgyz Republic," statement said.

The EU expects that the Kyrgyz authorities to undertake a thorough review of the evidence of mistreatment in custody against Azimzhan Askarov referred to in the views of the UNHRC.

"Full compliance with its international human rights obligations, including the opinions of the UNHRC, is essential to maintain the international standing of the Kyrgyz Republic, known and appreciated for its commitment to democracy," EU added.