Azimjan Askarov Leader of the human rights organization "Air" Country: Kyrgyzstan

Biography of Azimzhan Askarov

Azimzhan Askarov is a prominent human rights defender and leader of the "Vozdukh" organization in Kyrgyzstan. He has been actively working to expose abuses within the local police force, particularly in cases involving torture and violence against detainees.

Askarov gained attention for his advocacy work after bringing to light a case of rape and torture of a young woman, Zulhumor Tukhtanazarova, in the Bazar-Korgon district. Tukhtanazarova was detained for alleged theft and spent eight months in detention, during which she was repeatedly raped by police officers and forced into prostitution. She became pregnant and was forced to give birth in handcuffs under the supervision of a police officer. Unfortunately, the baby died shortly after birth. Askarov's efforts led to the dismissal of two investigators and the initiation of criminal cases against four police officers, though they received only suspended sentences.

Throughout his work, Askarov faced intimidation and threats from local authorities and law enforcement officials who accused him of defamation and false allegations. In 2006, the prosecutor of the Bazar-Korgon district demanded that Askarov seek approval from the prosecutor's office before publishing any articles on police abuses, claiming that his writings incited ethnic hatred.

In June 2010, following a wave of riots and clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities in Jalal-Abad, Askarov was arrested and accused of inciting violence and attacking police officers. Despite numerous reports of his ill-treatment and torture in detention, the authorities denied any wrongdoing. The trial, which took place in a neighboring district, was marred by bias and hostility towards Askarov and his legal team. During the trial, Askarov's family members reported threats and attacks from the deceased police officer's relatives, and the judge allowed this behavior to continue unchecked.

Askarov was convicted on ten charges, including attempted hostage taking, inciting ethnic hatred, and participating in the intentional murder of a law enforcement officer. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. International human rights organizations condemned the verdict as a retaliation for his human rights work and criticized the lack of a fair trial.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of his innocence and the flawed proceedings, Askarov's appeal and subsequent requests for a retrial have been denied. He remains in detention, and his health and safety are at risk due to the hostile environment surrounding his case.

Askarov's case has become a symbol of the systemic human rights abuses and impunity within the Kyrgyz justice system. His imprisonment has drawn international attention and calls for his immediate release from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. However, the Kyrgyz government has ignored these appeals, and his fate remains uncertain.

Askarov's struggle for justice and human rights in Kyrgyzstan serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by human rights defenders in the country and the urgent need for reform in the judicial system. Despite the adversity he has faced, Askarov's commitment to fighting for the rights of others has made him a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of injustice.