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Unjust Removal of Lawyer from Legal Process Sparks Outcry in Kyrgyzstan

in Politics / Kyrgyzstan - by


Judge Marat Sydykov sidelined lawyer Akyn Toktaliyev in the Kamyr-Abad case based on a letter from the Bar Association stating he is not a member. Despite holding a valid lawyer's license, Toktaliyev's exclusion has raised concerns. 

One of the accused, Gulnara Djurabaeva, highlighted Toktaliyev's credentials, including a commendation from President Sadyr Japarov. Djurabaeva believes this move is meant to intimidate all lawyers involved in the case. Meanwhile, Kubanychbek Kadyrov has been appointed a state defender. 

The Support Committee for the Kamyr-Abad Reservoir was formed on October 22, 2022, comprising activists, politicians, and parliament members. Mass arrests followed on October 23, with 27 individuals detained on charges of inciting mass disorder. Currently, 10 people remain in custody. Several international human rights organizations, including the IPHR, OMCT, NHC, HFHR, and Freedom Now, have urged Kyrgyzstan to release the detained politicians and activists.