Mass arrests: Eight defendants remanded in custody

15:30, 27 декабря 2022, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Aida DZHUMASHOVA

The Bishkek City Court considered a measure of restraint against politicians and activists in the case on attempted seizure of power by force (Kempir-Abad case).

The court remanded in custody the leader of Turan party Zhenish Moldokmatov, activists Ilgiz Shamenov, Akyl Aitbaev, Ulukbek Mamataev, Ali Shabdan, blogger Erlan Bekchoroev, coordinator of the Сommittee for Protection of Kempir-Abad reservoir Mambetzhunus Abylov and ex-secretary of the Security Council Keneshbek Duishebaev.

Keneshbek Duishebaev said during the hearing that he knew what the court’s decision would be. He asked to issue a ruling without the procedure of interrogation of the accused. However, the judges denied his request.

Lawyer Akyn Avazbekov asked to place the detainee under house arrest. The lawyer noted that Keneshbek Duishebaev has a fever and high blood pressure.

However, the judges remanded the accused in custody.

The 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. Authorities placed 26 people in jail on charges of preparing for riots.

A number of international human rights organizations such as the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), the Norwegian Helsinki Committee (NHC), the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR), Freedom Now and others issued a statement calling for the immediate release of politicians and activists arrested in Kyrgyzstan.