Front Line is concerned by reports of the arrest of Ms Tolekan Ismailova following her participation in a peaceful demonstration in Bishkek, on 18 March 2009. Tolekan Ismailova is the Chairperson of the Human Rights Centre “Citizens Against Corruption”. Although she was released later the same day, after the charges against her were dismissed, Front Line remains concerned at this evidence of an ongoing pattern of harassment.

Further Information

On 17 March 2009, a demonstration entitled “Civil hour in memory of Aksy!” was held to commemorate the 7th anniversary of Aksy tragedy when six demonstrators were shot dead, 28 were wounded, and 100 were subjected to torture for participating in a peaceful rally on 17 March 2002. The “Civil hour in memory of Aksy!” demonstration was attended by about 50 persons, including people from Aksy, public activists, leaders of non-governmental organisations, civil society activists and members of political parties. It took place in front of the Government House. Demonstrators wore black ties on their left arms and held red placards with the names of those who were killed by the police.

On 18 March 2009, the demonstrators continued the meeting and gathered on the Chui Avenue and Panfilova Street intersection. They had planned to light candles in memory of the Aksy tragedy victims, but they were dispersed by police officers who arrested human rights defender Tolekan Ismailova; Topchubek Turgunaliev and Anvar Artykov, respectively Chairperson and member of the Revolutionary Committee; and Samat Aliev, member of the Kyrgyzstan’s Green Party. According to the information received, Tolekan Ismailova was detained in the Department of Internal Affairs of Pervomaysky district. The same day, she was released after the judge of the Tribunal of Pervomaysky district found her not guilty of violation of Article 392 of the Administrative Code (violation of the procedure of organisation of public gatherings) and issued a warning based on Article 371 of the Administrative Code (disobedience to public authorities).

Front Line believes that the arrest of Ms Tolekan Ismailova is directly linked to her peaceful activities in the defence of human rights, in particular her defence of freedom of assembly. Front Line is concerned by the increasing frequency of cases of arrest of peaceful demonstrators in Kyrgyzstan.