Supreme Court Upholds Verdict Against Akyn Askat Zhetigen
The Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan has upheld the verdicts of the District and City Courts in the case against akyn Askat Zhetigen, according to the court’s press service. Askat Zhetigen has been sentenced to three years in prison, a decision that was initially made by the Sverdlovsky District Court of the capital on July 1, 2024, and upheld by the Bishkek City Court on October 17, 2024.
The case against Askat Zhetigen stems from his criticism of the authorities, leading to him being detained by officers of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) on March 17. He was charged with “Calls for the violent seizure of power” and transferred from Naryn to Bishkek for further proceedings.
Following his detention, Askat Zhetigen alleged that he was subjected to torture on the day of his arrest, specifically mentioning being electrocuted for about an hour. However, in an explanatory letter, he retracted his claims of torture, stating that his health and safety were not under threat. He expressed that he had no complaints against his cellmates or the correctional facility staff, clarifying that his previous statement was made personally and truthfully.
The case against Askat Zhetigen has sparked debate and controversy in Kyrgyzstan, shedding light on issues of freedom of speech and human rights in the country. It remains to be seen what further developments will arise as the situation unfolds.
