The platform urgently demands to ensure transparency in the judicial process
The Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan has sent an appeal to the Chairman of the Supreme Court, Mederbek Satyiev, and the members of the judicial panel regarding the consideration of the defense's petition for journalist Mahabat Tajibek kyzy to reopen the criminal case based on newly discovered facts.
This petition involves a procedural decision on the possibility of its acceptance for consideration. However, the Platform emphasizes that the importance of this stage goes beyond mere formality. At this moment, it is determined whether a full review of the case will be conducted, taking into account new circumstances.
The defense's appeal is based on the official conclusion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which recognized the imprisonment of Mahabat Tajibek kyzy as arbitrary and incompatible with the international obligations of the Kyrgyz Republic. The document outlines violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and confirms the connection between the criminal prosecution and the journalist's professional activities.
In the opinion of the Platform, this international assessment represents a new important circumstance that should be taken into account in national courts, which aligns with the logic of reviewing cases based on newly discovered circumstances.
In its appeal, the Platform emphasizes that the Kyrgyz Republic consistently declares its commitment to the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and the fulfillment of international obligations. In this context, it is highlighted that lawyers, prosecutors, and judges are not adversaries but represent a unified legal system and bear a collective responsibility for the legality and fairness of proceedings.
Attention is also drawn to the humanitarian aspect of the case: Mahabat Tajibek kyzy is a mother of a minor child, and when making decisions, it is necessary to consider the principles of proportionality and humanity, enshrined in both national and international norms.
"In light of the above, the Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan calls on the judicial panel of the Supreme Court to ensure a comprehensive and objective consideration of the petition, to take into account the conclusions of international legal mechanisms, and to provide an opportunity to review the case in accordance with the law. We also insist on ensuring transparency in the judicial process, which will help increase public and international trust in justice in Kyrgyzstan," the appeal states.
The Platform emphasizes that accepting the petition for consideration does not guarantee a resolution of the case but is an important step towards ensuring a fair and impartial hearing, taking into account all factors and international standards.
"A balanced and legally justified decision by the Supreme Court will be an important signal of the Kyrgyz Republic's commitment to its constitutional and international obligations, which will strengthen the country's reputation as a rule of law," notes the Media Action Platform.
The Platform also reaffirms its readiness for open and professional dialogue, as well as for public and expert monitoring of processes related to the rights of journalists and freedom of speech.
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