Kyrgyzstan: HRW calls for release of human rights defender due to coronavirus pandemic

Human rights activists are calling for the release of Azimzhan Askarov, noting that an unfair detention threatens his health. This is stated by the international human rights organization “Human Rights Watch”.

Since March 25, the Kyrgyz government has declared a state of emergency in several cities and regions of the republic in connection with the spread of coronavirus infection in the republic.

The crisis, according to human rights defenders, poses a serious danger specifically for prisoners in Kyrgyzstan.

“Azimzhan Askarov, one of the most famous human rights defenders in Kyrgyzstan, spent almost 10 years in prison. Nothing justifies his detention, and he should be released. Especially now, it is necessary for humane reasons,” human rights defenders noted in their statement.

Recall that in September 2010, Askarov was sentenced to life imprisonment after tragic unrest in southern Kyrgyzstan. As a result of these events, hundreds of people died.