Kempir-Abad case: Former ombudsman appeals to Sadyr Japarov

Relatives of activists and politicians detained within the criminal case on organizing mass riots hold another protest in Bishkek. Ex-ombudsman Tursunbek Akun is among those gathered in Maxim Gorky park. He called on the head of state to release the detainees.

«21 years have passed since the Aksy events, but we see that the situation with the freedom and rights of people in Kyrgyzstan does not change, it only gets worse. I urge the president to release the detainees, there is no fault in their actions. I offer to hold a National Forum of Accord and Consolidation, a kurultai, where all political disputes can be resolved and unity can be reached. Confrontation is not our way,» said the former ombudsman.

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.