Ravshan Dzheenbekov Appeals on Kempir-Abad Case Anniversary
Politician Ravshan Dzheenbekov, who is currently held in pre-trial detention center No. 1, has written a letter to commemorate the anniversary of the Kempir-Abad case. The letter was shared on Facebook.
In his letter, Dzheenbekov emphasized that it has been exactly one year since the individuals who defended the Kempir-Abad reservoir and aimed to protect the territorial integrity of their land have been imprisoned. He acknowledged the difficulties they have faced, including the loss of their health, freedom, and the suffering endured by their loved ones. However, he also saw it as a year of pride, as they fought for the territorial integrity of their country and a free Kyrgyzstan. Dzheenbekov expressed that only a nation whose citizens bravely fight for freedom can build a strong state.
Dzheenbekov highlighted that challenging times have the power to make people strong, including journalists, politicians, and citizens themselves. While he expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, noting the authoritarian and violent state being built by Sadyr and Kamchy, he also expressed gratitude for the emergence of educated, courageous journalists, politicians, and citizens who have a vision for the future of Kyrgyzstan.
Dzheenbekov’s letter was accompanied by a Facebook post containing an embedded link to further content on the social media platform.
The Committee for the Protection of the Kempir-Abad reservoir was formed on October 22, 2022. The committee consists of activists, politicians, and Members of Parliament. On the same day, President Sadyr Japarov informed the public, in an interview with Kabar news agency, that the authorities have information about those responsible for the rallies and protests relating to the Kempir-Abad issue.
Following this, mass arrests commenced on October 23, with the authorities detaining 27 individuals on charges of preparing for riots.
Numerous international human rights organizations, including 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), and Freedom Now, issued a joint statement calling for the immediate release of the imprisoned politicians and activists in Kyrgyzstan.
