International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) was shocked to learn of decision by a court in Kyrgyzstan to deport corruption-whistle blower Bolot Temirov to Russia. Organization’s statement says.
"We denounce Bolot Temirov’s deportation as the most recent development in an orchestrated campaign of retaliation against him because of his journalistic activities and his investigations into high-level corruption. Today’s deportation decision should be reversed and Temirov should be allowed to return to Kyrgyzstan and continue his journalistic work there without further persecution,’’ said Brigitte Dufour, Director of IPHR.
Bolot Temirov’s deportation comes in the context of a seriously deteriorating climate for free speech in Kyrgyzstan. The criminal case against him and his expulsion from the country show how far the country’s authorities are prepared to go to silence inconvenient voices.
Brigitte Dufour
Bolot Temirov was expelled from the country by court decision on November 23. Immediately after the trial, where the verdict was announced, he was taken by force, accompanied by law enforcement officers, to the airport and sent by plane to Russia.
Earlier, the Sverdlovsky District Court acquitted Bolot Temirov on two counts. The case was dismissed on two more, including on a fake passport, due to expiration of the statute of limitations. The court did not apply punishment to the journalist.
