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Kempir-Abad case: Azimbek Beknazarov remanded in custody

The Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek considered a petition by investigators of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to extend the detention period for politicians and activists detained in Kempir-Abad case.

The court remanded the ex-ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Malaysia Azimbek Beknazarov in custody. He will be in custody until June 20.

«We wanted the women to be released. There is only Rita Karasartova left. Then we will wait for the young ones to be released. We, as elders, will be the last. Perhaps, I would be in the forefront during the war, but in this case I will be the last,» Azimbek Beknazarov said.

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 27 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.

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