Kyrgyzstan : Human rights activist Tolekan Ismailova was taken in for questioning in Bishkek ahead of a planned peaceful protest

The day before, it became known that a pre-investigative check was being conducted in connection with posts on the Facebook account "Tolekan Ismailova," which, according to law enforcement agencies, could have caused a "negative reaction from users." However, the specific post that prompted the complaints was not specified.

Responding to investigators' questions about the content of her posts, she explained: "I post against war and in support of peace and development," and also shares materials demanding "the restoration of citizens' constitutional rights and the fulfillment by the authorities of their obligations regarding human rights and freedoms."

During the interrogation, the investigator also asked questions about the activities of the organization she heads, Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan, its funding, and the issues the organization addresses.

The interrogation took place on the day that human rights defenders and activists, including Bermet Borubaeva, planned to hold a peaceful gathering outside the administration of Bishkek's Pervomaisky District in protest against the ongoing ban on rallies in the city's central areas.

Restrictions on holding peaceful assemblies in this district of Bishkek have been regularly extended for several years now. Human rights defenders view such measures, as well as summoning activists for questioning on the eve of protests, as forms of pressure aimed at restricting freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Summoning activists for questioning immediately before planned peaceful assemblies creates a chilling effect and may be viewed as interference with the right to peaceful protest or as intimidation.

In light of the above, we declare:

Pressure on human rights defenders and activists is unacceptable. Interrogations, summonses, and other procedural actions must not be used as a tool for intimidation or to prevent peaceful civic engagement.

Any procedural actions must be carried out in strict compliance with protocol, including the issuance of an official summons and an explanation of the reasons for detention.

Freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are the foundation of a democratic society; restrictions on these rights are permissible only in cases established by law (protection of national security, public order, health, and the rights of others) and for a clearly defined period of time.

The state is obligated to ensure freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in accordance with international standards, including the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Supported by:

1. Human Rights Center ZMINA (Ukraine)

2. Iulia Kharashvili, IDPWA Consen

3. Norwegian Helsinki Committee

4. Netherlands Helsinki Committee

5. Crude Accountability

6. Human Rights Center Viasna (Belarus)

7. KRF Public Alternative

8. Human Rights House Foundation

9. Sphere Foundation

10. Public Association "Dignity"

11. Human Rights Centre ZMINA

12. Freedom Files

13. Turkmen Helsinki Foundation for Human Right

14. Office of Civil Freedoms

15. Human Rights Center (HRC)

16. Center for Participation and Development

17. HCA Vanadzor

18. International Partnership for Human Rights

19. Protection of Rights without Borders

20. Legal Policy Research Centre

21. Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law

22. Minority Rights Group

23. Human Rights Club