Leaders of the non-governmental sector and civic activists sent an open appeal to the President of the country, the head of the State Committee for National Security and the Prosecutor General. They demand the immediate release of women activists and public figures who were arrested on October 23.
«We, caring citizens of Kyrgyzstan, demand the immediate release of women activists, public figures, detained on trumped-up charges of staging a violent seizure of power. We know the women as active, caring citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, each of them contributes to the development of civil society, protects human rights and public interests.
We believe that during the meeting of the committee for protection of Kempir-Abad, the participants spoke exclusively about the peaceful rally. A peaceful assembly is non-violent and non-armed in nature.
State bodies are obliged to respect and ensure the right to freedom of peaceful assembly without any distinction on the basis of religion, political or other beliefs, any circumstances and not interfere with the achievement of the goals of the assembly,» the appeal says.
The authors remind the authorities that, according to the Constitution, every citizen of Kyrgyzstan has the right to association, including the right to create committees, unions, and so on to protect their own and public interests on a voluntary basis.
«The events that have taken place and the actions of the country’s leadership can lead to a split in society, civil clashes over their convictions, and damage to the country’s image in the international community. In the current situation, an urgent consensus and dialogue between the authorities and civil society is needed before it is too late,» the appeal stresses.
NGOs and civil activists demand:
- To stop political persecution on trumped-up criminal cases;
- To maintain stability in Kyrgyzstan;
- To ensure respect for the rights of accused citizens;
- To urgently release women activists.
They hope that reason will prevail and a decision will be made on the urgent release of the accused.
The appeal was signed by more than 70 organizations and activists.
Mass searches began on October 23; more than 20 people were detained and placed in remand centers of Bishkek and Chui region.
Ex-deputy of Parliament Kanat Isaev was placed in the remand centre 1 of the capital for one month. Activists Atai Beishenbek, Chyngyz Kaparov, Ali Shabdan, Taalaibek Mademinov, Erlan Bekchoroev, Rita Karasartova, Ulukbek Mamataev, Perizat Suranova, Nurlan Asanbaev, journalist Aidanbek Akmatov, ex-ambassador Azimbek Beknazarov, ex-deputies Ravshan Dzheenbekov, Asiya Sasykbaeva, Kubanychbek Kadyrov, ex-plenipotentiary representative of the President in Talas region Aibek Busurmankulov, ex-governor of Jalal-Abad region Bektur Asanov, leader of Turan party Zhenish Moldokmatov, ex-Secretary of the Security Council Keneshbek Duishebaev, ex-member of the CEC Gulnara Dzhurabaeva, ex-judge of the Constitutional Court Klara Sooronkulova and member of Political Council of Butun Kyrgyzstan party Akyl Aitbaev were placed in the remand centre 1 of Bishkek for two months. Talant Eshaliev was placed under house arrest for health reasons.
A member of the Committee for protection of Kempir-Abad Reservoir, Mambetzhunus Abylov, was placed in the temporary detention facility of the Main Internal Affairs Department of Bishkek.
