Kempir-Abad case: Relatives of detainees hold another protest

Relatives of activists and politicians detained within a criminal case on organizing mass riots hold another protest in Bishkek.

About 200 people gathered in the Maxim Gorky park. The protesters call for the release of the detainees, they consider the criminal case a political persecution. The people hold banners: «Freedom of thought is the inalienable right of everyone», «Freedom is the highest value» and others.

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.