WLP Partner and Human Rights Activist Tolekan Ismailova Arrested in Kyrgyzstan

Arbitrary arrests of human rights activists continue following post-electoral protests nationwide

July 30, 2009

Tolekan Ismailova has been arrested in Kyrgyzstan during peaceful demonstrations in Bishkek on July 30th. Ms. Ismailova was among four human rights activists arrested while calling on the government to release 87 individuals protesting the contested July 23rd presidential elections.

The arbitrary arrests, part of a government crackdown on civil gatherings in the Kyrgyz Republic, are largely at odds with the Kyrgyz Constitution—which guarantees freedom of assembly and peaceful meetings. Many of those detained have been subjected to physical abuse while imprisoned, and allegations of torture have been lodged against authorities.

Tolekan Ismailova is the Director of the Human Rights Center “Citizens Against Corruption” in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. WLP joins her call for the immediate release of those detained following the elections of July 23rd and calls on the Kyrgyz Government to uphold its citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

"Citizens Against Corruption" activists arrested during July 25 Global Day of Action for Iran

July 27, 2009

Several of our colleagues from WLP Kyrgyzstan/Human Rights Center "Citizens Against Corruption" (CAC) were arrested on Saturday as they peacefully assembled for the July 25 Global Day of Action for Iran. Tolekan Ismailova, Aida Baijumanova, and Diana Makembaeva were among eight activists who were detained by authorities and subsequently issued fines for their actions. WLP condemns this unconstitutional action, which follows threats of prosecution against CAC last week for the organization's position in support of a free and transparent presidential election, and we remain concerned about the ongoing clampdowns and harassment of all civil society activists in Kyrgyzstan.

---

Update: Kyrgyz Human Rights Activist Tolekan Ismailova Released from Detention

March 20, 2009

WLP is pleased to share that Tolekan Ismailova was released after a local tribunal found she had not violated laws of public assembly. However, our partners at Human Rights Center "Citizens Against Corruption" have said that the court also issued a warning against disobedience of public authorities, a sign that harassment of human rights defenders in Kyrgyzstan is likely to continue. WLP urges authorities to take stronger measures to preserve the right to peaceful assembly, and to ensure the security of Ms. Ismailova and her colleagues.

---

Human Rights Activist Tolekan Ismailova Arrested During Peaceful Gathering in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Photo courtesy of RFE/RL

WLP's Kyrgyzstan Partner Tolekan Ismailova of Citizens Against Corruption (CAC) Arrested During Peaceful Gathering

March 18, 2009

Tolekan Ismailova, Director of WLP Kyrgyzstan/Human Rights Center "Citizens Against Corruption" was among at least four people who were detained in Bishkek on March 18. The arrests followed a peaceful gathering in commemoration of the anniversary of tragic events that took place in Aksy in March 2002, during which six protesters were shot by security officials.

Fifty people attended an hour long gathering on Tuesday, March 17, carrying red carnations and wearing black armbands in mourning for the Aksy victims. Ms. Ismailova was among a group who reconvened on the morning of March 18 in order to conduct a candlelight vigil, which was surrounded and dispersed by police.

WLP is deeply concerned about the increased restrictions on the right to assembly in Kyrgyzstan and strongly condemns the wrongful detention of non-violent activists.