The deputy pointed out cases where Kyrgyz citizens, lacking funds for a lawyer, receive long sentences for crimes they did not commit.
At a meeting of the committee on international affairs, defense, security, and migration of the Jogorku Kenesh, deputy Shairbek Tashiev raised an important issue regarding the legal protection of citizens of Kyrgyzstan in Russia.
He noted that diplomatic representations of the Kyrgyz Republic abroad are obliged to provide legal assistance to their citizens.
According to Tashiev, those Kyrgyz citizens who can afford it hire lawyers. However, many face problems when the lack of financial resources leads to them receiving harsh penalties for crimes they did not commit.
The deputy proposed creating a 24-hour hotline for contacting consuls so that citizens could seek help at any time.
“There are situations where our citizens are forced to confess to crimes abroad. Therefore, it is extremely important that assistance is available 24/7. Is it also possible to organize the urgent hiring of lawyers to protect our citizens?” — Tashiev asked.
The General Consul of the Kyrgyz Republic in Novosibirsk, Aibek Aydarbekov, responded that the issue of funding lawyers at the expense of the state remains open at this time.
“Nevertheless, the consulate has 24-hour emergency contact numbers. We provide legal consultations and, in the case of traffic accidents or detentions, can go to the scene to monitor compliance with the law and the proper treatment of our citizens,” he emphasized.
Aydarbekov added that the question of the possibility of hiring lawyers at the expense of the state will be forwarded for consideration to the leadership of the agency.
