Human Rights Activists Demand Release of Journalist Kanyshai Mamyrkulova
Kanyshai Mamyrkulova: Human Rights Activists Call for Release of Detained Journalist
International human rights activists are calling for the immediate release of journalist Kanyshai Mamyrkulova, who was detained on March 20 in Kyrgyzstan. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee and International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) have urged authorities to release Mamyrkulova and drop the criminal charges against her.
The groups argue that the case against Mamyrkulova violates freedom of expression and media freedom, both of which are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. They emphasize the importance of upholding these fundamental rights and call for an end to the clampdown on free speech in the country.
Mamyrkulova was detained for allegedly spreading false information about the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, which authorities claim could destabilize the situation in the country. The Main Department of Internal Affairs cited a forensic linguistic examination that reportedly found calls for violence in her communications, leading to the initiation of a criminal case under Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
On March 22, Mamyrkulova was arrested by court order and is set to remain in custody until the end of the investigation on May 19. Known for her critical posts about the government on social media, Mamyrkulova’s detention has raised concerns among human rights advocates both locally and internationally.
As calls for her release grow louder, the case of Kanyshai Mamyrkulova serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of expression and upholding human rights in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.
