Rally in Bishkek: Protesters demand to release detainees

Participants of the march held near a railway station in Bishkek demanded to publish documents on Kempir-Abad reservoir and release activists detained on Sunday.

«We are raising two issues. The first is Kempir-Abad. This is Kyrgyz land, and it should remain ours. We demand from the authorities to publish all documents on the reservoir and borders. The people must know the truth. Secondly, we demand to release all the activists detained. Having come to power, Sadyr Japarov promised that there would be no persecution. But we see what is happening,» an activist Ulan Usein, moderator of the march, said.

From the building of the railway station, the participants moved in a column towards Ala-Too square.

A Committee for protection of Kempir-Abad reservoir was created on October 22. It includes activists, politicians and MPs. On the same day, in an interview with Kabar news agency, President Sadyr Japarov said: the authorities have information who was behind the rallies and marches on Kempir-Abad issue.

Mass arrests began on Sunday. According to the latest data, Keneshbek Duishebaev, Erlan Bekchoroev, Aidanbek Akmatov, Asiya Sasykbaeva, Rita Karasartova, Atai Beishenbek, Klara Sooronkulova, Azimbek Beknazarov, Aibek Buzurmankulov, Zhenish Moldokmatov, Bektur Asanov, Nurlan Asanbaev, Gulnara Dzhurabaeva, Ravshan Dzheenbekov, Taalai Mademinov, Ulugbek Mamataev, Perizat Suranova, Chingiz Kapar, Ali Shabdan uulu, Talant Eshaliev, Kubanychbek Kadyrov were detained for 48 hours.

At least 21 people were placed in the pretrial detention center of the Main Internal Affairs Department of Bishkek and districts of Chui region. Ex-deputy of Parliament Kanat Isaev was also arrested for one month.

Searches were carried out in their homes, then detention orders were issued against activists and politicians.