Kyrgyzstan recently detained Rita Karasartova, a well-known human rights defender, without formal charges. The detention has been described by Amnesty International as indicative of a concerning pattern of increased repression.
The Main Department of Internal Affairs of the Chui region arrested and questioned Karasartova after a house search during which several documents were confiscated. According to reports by local media, a criminal investigation under Article 278 of the Kyrgyz Criminal Code—concerning mass riots—has been initiated.
Amnesty International has called on Kyrgyzstani authorities to clarify the legal grounds for her detention, ensuring her rights are respected, and that she has access to adequate healthcare. Their statement emphasizes that if Karasartova is being detained for the mere exercise of her free speech rights, she should be immediately and unconditionally released.
This is not Rita Karasartova’s first encounter with the authorities. Previously, she was among a group of women, including Klara Sooronkulova and Asya Sasykbayeva, detained for opposing the transfer of the Kempir-Abad water reservoir to Uzbekistan. Although they were detained for eight months, they were eventually acquitted by the Pervomaisky District Court in June 2024.
The events leading up to Karasartova’s detention include a letter she shared on social media from another activist, Tilekmat Kurenov, who had predicted his own arrest. Notably, Kurenov has been missing in the United Arab Emirates since April 10, after a history of arrests purportedly related to fabricated charges.
- Amnesty International’s stance and statement can be accessed here.
- Further details on Rita Karasartova’s previous detentions and outcomes can be found in the case of the Kempir-Abad water reservoir.