May 15, 2026

To the President of the Kyrgyz Republic

Mr. S.N. Japarov

Appeal

“The Fulfillment of Kyrgyzstan’s Duty to Prisoner of Conscience and Human Rights Defender Azimjan Askarov, Posthumously, Is Strategically Important for the Sustainable Development and Security of the Kyrgyz Republic as a Whole”

Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoevich,

On the eve of the birthday of the renowned human rights defender and prisoner of conscience, Azimjan Askarov, on May 17, 2026, colleagues, lawyers, and international partners of the solidarity network combating impunity are addressing you in support of your key statement made on International Human Rights Day[1]regarding the importance of access to fair justice, the restoration of the rights of victims of arbitrariness, and the protection of human rights and freedoms during times of crisis.

You have repeatedly emphasized that an independent and fair judicial system is the principal foundation of statehood. In conditions of crisis or political instability, it is precisely impartial justice that can prevent division, strengthen public trust in the authorities, and protect the rights of ordinary citizens as well as entrepreneurs.

We understand that, for Kyrgyzstan, fulfilling its international obligations — especially the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee concerning prisoner of conscience Azimjan Askarov — is exceptionally important at this very moment. Kyrgyzstan has officially nominated its candidacy for election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. The election will take place during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in June 2026. Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines are competing for one seat within the Asian Group[2]. You have underscored the significance of this mandate for the Kyrgyz Republic. Should the country secure a seat on the UN Security Council, it intends to advocate for greater transparency in the work of the body, promote the ideas of sustainable development, strengthen international law, and rectify historical injustice, as Kyrgyzstan has never been elected to this key UN body since joining the United Nations in 1992.

Today, it is critically important to implement the decision of the UN Human Rights Committee[3]. The authorities of Kyrgyzstan are obliged to immediately exonerate prisoner of conscience Azimjan Askarov posthumously and provide compensation to his family for the harm inflicted upon him. Furthermore, the Committee ruled that Azimjan Askarov’s criminal conviction must be annulled.  For your attention, we are enclosing the report of the International Commission of Jurists[4], which provides information on the events that led to Askarov’s arrest, describes the treatment he endured during pre-trial detention and throughout the court proceedings, as well as the conduct of the trial itself and the appellate instances. The report evaluates the facts on the basis of international human rights law and the criminal legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.

“The case of Azimjan Askarov demonstrates how the distortion of the legal system during a period of crisis and fragmentation can lead to unchecked human rights violations and, ultimately, to a denial of justice in criminal proceedings,” said Róisín Pillay.

“The ICJ urges the relevant authorities to use this report to facilitate the initiation of criminal proceedings against those involved in these violations and to ensure a retrial in accordance with the fair procedures required by national and international law.” The ICJ calls on the Government of Kyrgyzstan to prevent impunity for serious human rights violations in this case and to hold those responsible accountable.

Edil Baisalov, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic and current Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States, stated: “Without question, the case of Azimjan Askarov remains a painful issue for Kyrgyzstan. I am in contact with human rights organizations and with representatives of Askarov’s family. I have repeatedly expressed the view that the substance of the Askarov case does not correspond to the accusation that he somehow participated in killings. It is simply impossible to believe this, and there is not a single fact in his case that would support such allegations. He was a victim of those bloody events. It is a great tragedy — he paid the highest price, and we were unable to save him. But I am confident that, in time, historians and investigators will restore justice and the true picture of the circumstances surrounding his prosecution. Personally, of course, I do not want this to remain a dark stain on the reputation of our state”[5]

The human rights community of the Kyrgyz Republic, friends, colleagues, Askarov’s wife Khadicha Askarova, his children, grandchildren, and relatives are awaiting JUSTICE and the implementation by the Kyrgyz authorities of the Views of the UN Human Rights Committee during this difficult and crisis-ridden period[6].  Compliance with the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, the international obligations of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the restoration of the rights of victims of torture will help stop widespread violations of citizens’ rights in Kyrgyzstan, provide a new opportunity for the country’s international standing, and serve as triggers for positive change in the fields of security and sustainable development.[7].

We await the political will of the authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic to:

•  Ensure the implementation of the Views of the UN Human Rights Committee in the case of Azimjan Askarov[8];

• Facilitate the restoration of justice and the review of the legal consequences of this case[9];

•  Take measures to restore the rights of Azimjan Askarov’s family[10];

• Reaffirm Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to the principles of the rule of law and its international human rights obligations[11].

We are confident that the consistent observance of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, the state’s international obligations, and the principles of fair justice will contribute to strengthening trust in state institutions, enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s international standing, and ensuring the country’s sustainable development[12].

Respectfully,

Tolekan Ismailova

Director of “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan”

For any questions, please contact the team of “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan”: birduinokyrgyzstan@gmail.com, Tel.: +996 (501) 156-390