President Askar Akaev
Republic of Kyrgyzstan
VIA FAX: +996 312 218 627

February 22, 2005

Dear President Akaev:

The International League for Human Rights, an international, non-governmental human rights organization with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, is deeply concerned about the recent violations of civil and political rights in Kyrgyzstan surrounding the forthcoming parliamentary elections on February 27, 2005.

The League fears the refusal to register opposition candidates for the election (including Roza Otunbaeva, Usen Sydykov, Medetkan Sherimkulov), has been motivated by political concerns. The residency requirements appear to have been designed to prevent many opposition candidates from participating in the coming election. This residency requirement may unreasonably restrict the right to political participation by excluding opposition candidates who have served their country at government posts abroad. The decision to exclude these opposition candidates on this basis is in violation of article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR) which holds, “Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity… To have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country.”

The League fears the motivation behind the new draft law, “On Making Amendments and Additions to the Law of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan on the Right of Citizens to gather Peacefully and Without Arms, and to Conduct Rallies and Demonstrations,” aims to illegitimately circumscribe the freedom of assembly in Kyrgyzstan. The law’s registration and curfew requirements would represent an undue infringement upon the ability of citizens to assemble in Kyrgyzstan.

We are also concerned about the intimidation and harassment of politicians and civil society activists. Unknown perpetrators vandalized the homes of opposition politicians, Azimbek Beknazarov and Roza Otimbaeva on the night of January 9, 2005. At the same time, human rights activists were targeted as receiving Western support. On January 10, 2005 Talant Turgunaliev, driver of Bolotbek Sherniazov, was held by two men, interrogated and threatened for holding opposing views from the government. Vehicles owned by opposition leaders were impounded on the next day. The combined effect of these incidents represents the systematic harassment of opposition groups.

Additionally, the League remains extremely concerned with the status of Feliks Kulov. He continues to be incarcerated without due process in accordance with international standards. We feel that he may have been targeted for his political views and imprisoned based on fabricated charges. We feel that Mr. Kulov’s leadership of the political party Ar-Namys and his attempt to run in the 2000 presidential election is the motivation behind his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.

Kyrgyzstan acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 1994. This requires the government of Kyrgyzstan to fulfill its human rights obligations including those contained in articles 19, 22 and 25 of the ICCPR which detail the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. Specifically, article 25 holds each citizen’s right “To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives.” In addition this article guarantees the right “To vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be held by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electorate.” Recent statements and actions made by the Government of Kyrgyzstan indicate these human rights may be imperiled.

These and many additional incidents as well as government actions in recent years suggest opposition groups are being persecuted for their political views.

The League urges you to stop persecuting political opposition and dissent as well as create an equal playing field in the run-up to the parliamentary election. We also call on you to allow free and unimpeded access for international observers to monitor the electoral process.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We await your response.

Sincerely,

Louise Kantrow
Executive Director