For more than a year, Human Rights Watch has been concerned about the decline in state protection of civic freedoms in Kyrgyzstan and has written to you requesting action on particular cases that illustrate this decline. Today, we write to express concern about several incidents of harassment of civil society activists and opposition politicians, which is worsening the climate for civil society and freedom of association in Kyrgyzstan. We again urge you to ensure that civic activists and the political opposition can operate in an environment free from intimidation.
Dear President Akaev,
For more than a year, Human Rights Watch has been concerned about the decline in state protection of civic freedoms in Kyrgyzstan and has written to you requesting action on particular cases that illustrate this decline. Today, we write to express concern about several incidents of harassment of civil society activists and opposition politicians, which is worsening the climate for civil society and freedom of association in Kyrgyzstan. We again urge you to ensure that civic activists and the political opposition can operate in an environment free from intimidation.
On July 3, 2004 unknown men reportedly broke into the house of Ainura Aitbaeva, the daughter of Ramazan Dyryldaev, chairman of the Kyrgyz Committee for Human Rights, one of the most well-known and outspoken independent human rights groups in Kyrgyzstan. In the presence of witnesses, the men severely beat Aitbaeva, rendering her unconscious, and then left. After regaining consciousness Aitbaeva fled the house with her children, fearing the attackers would return. She was subsequently hospitalized for eleven days with serious head trauma.
Human Rights Watch believes the attack may have been intended to intimidate Aitbaeva in order to force a halt to her father’s human rights work. Her assailants apparently were not motivated by theft, as they did not steal any money or possessions. Dyryldaev told Human Rights Watch that she was arbitrarily dismissed from her job earlier this year, which he believes to be part of an effort to pressure him.
The attack on Aitbaeva is especially disturbing as it comes just two months after a similar attack on Chingiz Sydykov, the twenty-one-year-old son of Zamira Sydykova. Sydykova is editor-in-chief of one of Kyrgyzstan’s leading independent newspapers, Respublica. In a May 3, 2004 letter to you, Human Rights Watch expressed concern about the attack on Sydykov, which caused a concussion and serious bodily injuries. Human Rights Watch believes that assault may have been linked to a series of four articles published in Respublica criticizing the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. Although Kyrgyz law enforcement agents opened an investigation into the assault, no progress has reportedly been made in the case.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express concern about covert surveillance of outspoken opposition members of parliament and civil society activists. On January 14, 2004 the Parliamentary Security Services of Kyrgyzstan uncovered hidden listening devices in the offices of prominent, popular members of parliament affiliated with the political opposition, including Ismail Isakov, Azimbek Beknazarov, Ishenbai Kadyrbekov, Omurbek Tekebaev and Adahan Madymarov. We understand that parliament tasked a special commission with investigating the matter, and that the Kyrgyz Parliament’s Legislative Assembly presented evidence of wrongdoing by the National Security Services (NSS). This evidence included NSS reports about its surveillance of opposition politicians and civil society activists, including human rights defenders. According to the report, the procuracy has filed charges against the NSS for violation of privacy (article 136 of the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan) and abuse of office (article 304). This is an important first step. We sincerely hope that the procuracy will be allowed to pursue its case without undue interference from any interested parties and that anyone found to have violated the law will be prosecuted in accordance with international standards.
Secret surveillance of opposition politicians and civil society activists, along with attacks on government critics’ relatives create a climate of fear that stifles open dialogue in society and subverts the democratic process. These actions violate Kyrgyzstan’s obligation under international law to protect the rights to freedom of expression and of association. We hope that you will use your good offices to ensure that the perpetrators of the acts described in this letter are brought to justice and these kinds of incidents are not repeated. We also hope that you will publicly affirm your commitment to accountability for these actions and to a strong civil society.
Thank you for your attention to the concerns raised in this letter.
Sincerely,
Rachel Denber
Acting Executive Director
Europe and Central Asia division
