We, are the members of the Coalition for equality, express our deep worries regarding the latest actions of the national authorities against civic society on pressure of the freedom of expres
Окт 25.2022
ATTN: President of the Kyrgyz Republic
Jogorku Kenesh of the KR
Government of the KR
Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the KR
Human rights organizations
International organizations
Mass media
We, are the members of the Coalition for equality, express our deep worries regarding the latest actions of the national authorities against civic society on pressure of the freedom of express and the right of citizens for peaceful meetings.
The mass arrests, searches and imprisonment of eighteen men and women activists in temporary detention facilities, which took place on Sunday, 23 October 2022, indicate that there is currently no place for dissent in the Kyrgyz Republic.
It is a matter of particular concern that within the framework of these arrests, the investigative service of the MoI of the KR uses the term "a criminal case initiated under the article Preparation for Organizing Mass Riots" of the Criminal Code of the KR, despite the peaceful speeches and statements made by the opponents of the authorities.
Recently, activists, human rights defenders, bloggers and journalists, as well as ordinary citizens have openly expressed their opinions and criticized the authorities for secrecy and lack of transparency on the issue of the agreement with Uzbekistan regarding the Kempir-Abad water reservoir.
They demanded full and exhaustive information on the issue of the agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Kempir-Abad water reservoir.
Despite the recent meetings of the President of the KR with the public and with residents of the Uzgen district of Osh region, whose population and territories are directly affected by this issue, not only activists, but also many citizens of the country still have doubts and many questions that remain without an exhaustive answer.
The issues of the land and water resources distribution in the border areas are vital for the people of Kyrgyzstan and should be solved in the legal field, taking into account the opinion of the people, according to the Constitution, which states that citizens of the country have the right to participate in the management of state affairs and their discussion. Their right to access information based on transparency and publicity of the activities of state bodies should also be respected. This is stated in the Law on Access to Information under the Jurisdiction of State Bodies and Local Self-Government Bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Citizens have the right to peacefully express their opinion and political position on important issues, and the State is obliged to promote the realization of this right without subjecting them to intimidation, repression and without suppressing their protests.
The authorities' reaction to them should comply with article 33 of the Constitution of the KR, which states that everyone is guaranteed access to information under thejurisdiction of state bodies, local self-government bodies and their officials, it should also comply with the Law on Guarantees and Freedom of Access to Information, as well as human rights standards.
The State is obliged to protect everyone's right to search, receive, research, produce, transmit and disseminate information.
The Coalition of the KR for Equality calls on the authorities to abide by article 24 of the Constitution of the KR, according to which “no one may be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, language, disability, ethnicity, religion, age, political or other beliefs...”
In order to preserve the stability and development of Kyrgyzstan, we request to stop the political persecution of citizens expressing their opinions, ensure the safety of all detained activists, as well as guarantee people their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of speech and participation in the process of making important decisions for the country.
Coalition for Equality: The informal association of a number of organizations of the Kyrgyz Republic, which was established in 2013 to cooperate on human rights issues and the fight against all forms of discrimination and xenophobia, development and implementation of an antidiscrimination law, to form an equal, fair and tolerant society in Kyrgyzstan. Further information can be obtained at the following e-mail address: c.equality.kg@gmail.com. Facebook page:
https//www.facebook.com/equalityinkg/
