Kempir-Abad case: Protesters voice demands to authorities of Kyrgyzstan

15:50, 17 марта 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Yuri KOPYTIN

Relatives of activists and politicians held in custody within the criminal case on organizing mass riots adopted a resolution and appealed to the authorities with demands.

«Participants of the peaceful rally for Justice and Freedom demand:

To ensure justice and freedom in the republic;
To carry out judicial reform and full independence of the courts from the government;
To stop pressure on independent media;
To restore the citizenship of Bolot Temirov and return the journalist to his country;
To release activists and politicians detained for protection of Kempir-Abad reservoir;
To stop pressure on small and medium-sized businesses and start a real fight against corruption,» the text of the resolution says.

The protesters emphasize that if these demands are not met, they will be forced to hold peaceful protests indefinitely.

Relatives of activists and politicians held in custody within the case on organizing mass riots held another protest on March 17. About 200 people gathered in Maxim Gorky park in Bishkek.

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.