Denis Krivosheev, Deputy Director of Amnesty International for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noted that the authorities must immediately cease pressure on those attempting to exercise their rights to freedom of assembly.
He emphasized: "Summons for questioning regarding intentions to exercise the right to assemble or due to social media posts are manifestations of intimidation. Over the past few years, the right to peaceful assembly in Bishkek has faced severe restrictions, and those who attempt to exercise this right are persecuted. Court decisions that continue to extend the ban on rallies in the center of the capital render this right a fiction. In fact, citizens are provided with only one remote venue for protests, which is a disproportionate and discriminatory restriction, as well as a mockery of the very essence of this right," he added.
Krivosheev also stated: "All arbitrary restrictions on protests must be immediately lifted."
It is worth noting that on March 13, Tolekan Ismailova reported that officers from the Bishkek City Police Department summoned her for questioning after "monitoring" her Facebook account. The police noted that her posts allegedly provoke "numerous negative responses and criticism from users."
On the same day, Ismailova planned to hold a peaceful rally at the administration of the Pervomaisky District of Bishkek in defense of the freedom of assembly. Activist Bermet Borubaeva and operator Bulat Satarkulov were also summoned for questioning.
