In her commentary, Ekaterina noted that she is confident in her Russian citizenship, which she believes is a reliable protection. She expressed the following:
“Even if we assume that this is complete lawlessness, and I somehow get convicted in Kyrgyzstan, it will be absolutely illegal. I do not believe that this is a rule of law state. Russia never extradites its citizens. They should deal with their own problems rather than pursue Bivol's ex-wife. I live in Russia, and our country does not extradite anyone, especially when all of this looks so absurd.”
“Honestly, I am even a little ashamed, but at the same time, it looks like some kind of comedy. I can also shoot anything. I don’t know what to say: thank you to them or let them leave me alone. No intelligence, no knowledge of the law – just some nonsense.”
“Honestly, I am even a little ashamed, but at the same time, it looks like some kind of comedy. I can also shoot anything. I don’t know what to say: thank you to them or let them leave me alone. No intelligence, no knowledge of the law – just some nonsense.”
In Bishkek, the General Directorate of Internal Affairs initiated a criminal case against Ekaterina Bivol for inciting national hatred. This was a result of her video, which, according to the investigation, contains derogatory statements about the Kyrgyz people, as well as Kazakhs. An active discussion began on social media, calling for her to be held accountable.
In an official statement, law enforcement agencies said that Bivol, possessing high public recognition and influence, “made gross and humiliating statements against the Kyrgyz people.”
On October 25, the court in absentia charged Ekaterina Bivol and imposed a preventive measure in the form of arrest. By law, she could be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of five to seven years.
Ekaterina herself noted that her emotional reaction was triggered by a wave of hatred that descended upon her after the accusations against her ex-husband.
