Kyrgyz authorities have brought a criminal case against an activist and blogger, Aftandil Zhorobekov, after he publicly opposed and called for protests against the government’s proposal to alter the country’s flag. The charges, which include calling for mass unrest, violate his freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly. Human Rights Watch said in a statement.
«Zhorobekov should not be facing criminal prosecution for opposing a government initiative or calling for peaceful protests, all protected forms of expression,» said Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. «Kyrgyz authorities should drop the charges and release Zhorobekov immediately.»
In late September, legislators proposed changing elements of Kyrgyzstan’s flag, contending that the sun on the flag could be confused with a sunflower. The proposal garnered widespread criticism, with some politicians saying that other, more vital issues need to be addressed, and others raising the financial burden entailed in modifying the flag.
Aftandil Zhorobekov, 39, is a civic activist and the administrator of Bespredel.kg social media accounts, which have over 125,000 followers. He is known for his criticism of the authorities and their handling of socio-political issues in the country.
In the video posted to his Facebook page on December 6, Zhorobekov expressed his discontent about the flag proposal and criticized the lack of socioeconomic progress in the country. He also said that he was planning to hold a peaceful protest against the flag change at Gorky park in Bishkek on December 9.
A state-commissioned linguistic analysis of the video and accompanying comments concluded that the language in his post was aimed at «overthrowing the current authorities,» and «creating mass unrest» in society. Zhorobekov’s lawyer told Human Rights Watch that he considers the charges «patently absurd.»
Zhorobekov’s arrest takes place against the backdrop of a deteriorating human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, Human Rights Watch said. Parliament is considering several draft laws that would significantly curtail fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.
«Criticizing the government and calling for peaceful protest is not the equivalent of stoking mass unrest, and it is certainly not criminal,» Sultanalieva said. «Kyrgyz authorities should drop this absurd case against Zhorobekov and uphold his right to free speech and peaceful assembly.»
