They noted that the judicial process was politically motivated and accompanied by serious violations of the right to a fair trial, as provided for by the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan. Instead of seeking the truth and establishing personal responsibility, a repressive machine was unleashed, aimed at intimidating the opposition and society. Many international human rights organizations and experts have already characterized what happened as a crime against humanity. According to reports, about 1,700 people have filed complaints about crimes, having faced severe pressure from the Military Prosecutor's Office.
The charges are absurd: the age and social status of the accused cast doubt on the version of "hostage-taking." How could 67-year-old Farid Niyazov, 61-year-old Irina Karamushkina, 55-year-old Ravshan Zheenbekov, 48-year-old Alga Kylychev, and 46-year-old Farhad Baabiev take strong special forces soldiers hostage?Moreover, the very situation surrounding the storming raises questions, as former president Almazbek Atambayev was under the protection of the GKNB. The detention was carried out by forces from the same agency that was supposed to protect him, highlighting the inconsistency of the law enforcement actions, as mentioned in the party's statement.
The Social Democrats also pointed to the existence of documentary evidence of torture and threats aimed at obtaining "necessary" testimonies.
According to information from the security forces themselves, the accused, on the contrary, provided assistance in rescuing both security personnel and civilians, and often became victims of violence themselves. The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and the head of the operation, Kursan Asanov, confirmed the absence of hostage-taking and noted that the real goal of the security actions was the elimination of Atambayev.
During the judicial proceedings, there was a selective approach to the admission of evidence, a refusal to examine the defense materials, and pressure on witnesses.The Social Democrats also pointed out that the chairwoman of the Bishkek City Court, Leila Baidaeva, had previously worked as a lawyer for the Matraimovs, who had a conflict with Almazbek Atambayev. They described the sentence given to Irina Karamushkina, which amounted to 8 years in a penal colony and confiscation of property, as "cannibalistic."
The party demands the cancellation of unlawful preventive measures and the release of those whose rights have been violated; to conduct an independent, effective, and public investigation into the actions of the security forces, including facts of torture and falsifications; and to cease politically motivated persecution of its members and civil activists.
We call on the president, the head of the GKNB, the Supreme Court, and the Prosecutor General's Office to restore legality and trust in justice. The continuation of such practices undermines the foundations of the rule of law and the international reputation of Kyrgyzstan.We remind you that on October 23, the judicial panel of the Bishkek City Court issued a ruling that partially changed the decision of the previous instance, tightening the punishment for Irina Karamushkina.
