The Norwegian Helsinki Committee is concerned at reports that well-known lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov has been jailed for 5 days in Bishkek. Organization’s statement says.
Toktakunov was involved in the defense of one of the human rights activists who participated in a peaceful protest outside the Russian Embassy in Bishkek on 17 March, 2022. During the protest itself, he made negative remarks about the country’s judges in general. On this basis, judge sentenced Toktakunov to 5 days in jail.
As the Committee notes, although the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan guarantees freedom of assembly, the protesters were charged with «hooliganism». Dinara Oshurakhunova and Ondurush Toktonasyrov were given fines of 3,000 Kyrgyz soms each.
«The political backdrop for this event is particularly disconcerting, said Ivar Dale, Senior Policy Adviser in the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. — The brutality of Russia’s war on Ukraine has shocked the world, and protests outside Russian Embassies are a daily occurrence in capital cities around the world.»
Kyrgyzstan has a proud history of civil activism and respect for freedom of expression. This is no time to limit citizens’ constitutional rights.
Ivar Dale
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee urges Kyrgyz authorities to release Toktakunov and permit protests to take place in Bishkek and elsewhere in the country.
