Civic activist Tilekmat Kurenov left Kyrgyzstan due to political persecution. He is afraid of going back to prison. He posted a video message on his Facebook page.
He opposed the transfer of Kempir-Abad reservoir to Uzbekistan and was a member of the Committee for protection of the reservoir.
Tilekmat Kurenov said that law enforcement officers — the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Committee for National Security — execute, in his opinion, illegal orders.
«Yesterday, searches and detentions of activists and politicians took place, the authorities recorded our conversations, edited them and exposed us as people who want to overthrow the government, stage a coup. We gathered only against the transfer of the reservoir,» the activist stressed.
He noted that the Kyrgyzstan’s authorities «deceive the Kyrgyz people», claiming that they, allegedly, carried out an «excellent exchange» of lands with Uzbekistan.
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 October 23. 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.
