16:05, 23 октября 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Gulmira Makanbai kyzy
Politician Ravshan Dzheenbekov, held in the pre-trial detention center No. 1, wrote a letter on the occasion of the anniversary of the so-called Kempir-Abad case. The text was posted on Facebook.
«Today marks exactly one year since people who defended the Kempir-Abad reservoir and tried to protect the integrity of our land are in prison. On the one hand, it was a difficult year: we lost our health, freedom and caused suffering to our relatives. But, on the other hand, it was a year of pride, when we fought for the territorial integrity of our country and a free Kyrgyzstan... Only a nation whose citizens bravely fight for freedom can build a strong state,» the politician wrote.
He noted that hard times make people strong, including journalists, politicians and citizens themselves.
«On the one hand, I am dissatisfied with the fact that Sadyr and Kamchy are building an authoritarian and violent state. On the other hand, I am grateful that such times create hundreds of educated, courageous journalists, politicians and citizens who have a vision of the future of Kyrgyzstan,» Ravshan Dzheenbekov posted.
The Committee for protection of Kempir-Abad reservoir was created on October 22, 2022. 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.