11:34, 04 октября 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Darya PODOLSKAYA
Relatives of the defendants in the so-called Kempir-Abad case hold a rally in front of the Pervomaisky court in Bishkek.
The gathered demand an open and fair trial. They are chanting: «Freedom to political prisoners».
Another hearing of the case takes place in the court. Since the case materials are half classified, journalists are not allowed to attend the trial.
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.