In Kyrgyzstan, ban on rallies was declared illegal

In Kyrgyzstan, on March 8, at the Victory Square, a peaceful rally was held against violence against women. The procession ended with mass arrests.

The main argument of the police was that the rally was not authorized, because a moratorium on peaceful assembly was declared in the Republic until July 1. However, later the Prosecutor General’s office issued a statement stating that the ban on the rally is illegal.

Recall that the City Hall of Bishkek adopted a resolution according to which the heads of the administrative districts of the capital are instructed to take measures to limit the holding of peaceful meetings, rallies, marches in the city until July 1, 2020. District courts supported the municipality and banned meetings.

“However, the prosecution authorities found that the decisions made by the district courts are not substantiated and are subject to cancellation,” the statement said.

According to article 34 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. In order to ensure the holding of a peaceful assembly, everyone has the right to submit a notification to the authorities, a ban and restriction on holding a peaceful assembly are not allowed.

In addition, in accordance with articles 2 and 4 of the Law “On peaceful meetings”, while securing the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the state and local authorities are governed by the Constitution. Laws and other regulatory legal acts must not contradict it.