Defendants in the so-called Kempir-Abad case, who are in custody in the pretrial-detention center 1 in Bishkek, went on a hunger strike in protest against the actions of a judge of the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek, Marat Sydykov, who is considering this case. Human rights activist Aziza Abdirasulova posted their appeal on Facebook.
The detainees stated about violations on the part of the judge, noting that he constantly postpones hearings, does not consider petitions submitted by the defense, and does not allow the accused to get acquainted with the case materials.
The detainees announced that they went on a hunger strike as a sign of protest, since the prosecutor’s office and investigators grossly violated their rights.
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.
