Activist Melis Aspekov, accused of extortion and fraud, was released from the prison colony. The State Penitentiary Service confirmed the information to 24.kg news agency.
Melis Aspekov started serving his sentence on January 19, 2021. He was due to be released from prison in 2027.
«However, the presidential decree «On Pardoning Convicts» was issued on May 23, 2023. The activist is among them. Melis Aspekov’s sentence was reduced by three years and eight months. He was released,» the state service reported.
In March 2022, Melis Aspekov was found guilty of fraud and extortion of money and sentenced to seven years in prison. The Bishkek City Court reversed this verdict. The activist was found guilty under the article «Fraud» of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, but the court did not impose a sentence on him due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
