Kyrgyzstan: Defense Questions Unequal Prosecution in "Letters of 75" Case

Five individuals are detained in Kyrgyzstan in connection with the "Letters of 75" case, prompting their defense to question why only a fraction of the 75 signatories are facing prosecution. Lawyers argue that all signatories who supported an appeal for early elections should be treated equally under the law.

Lawyer Latipbek Nuralimov stated that his clients, who are among the five detained, have requested a legal assessment of the actions of the other 70 signatories. "Our clients have filed a motion: why are only five of the 75 signatories being prosecuted and held in custody? The other 70 people held the same position and signed the letter. Why have their actions not been given a legal assessment?" Nuralimov explained.

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Our clients have filed a motion: why are only five of the 75 signatories being prosecuted and held in custody? The other 70 people held the same position and signed the letter. Why have their actions not been given a legal assessment?

The defense believes the situation should be assessed uniformly for all signatories. "If there is no crime in their actions, then there is none in the actions of our clients. If the court considers them guilty, then the issue of bringing the other 70 people to justice must be decided," Nuralimov added.

He also confirmed that the defense is prepared to ensure the appearance of the remaining signatories at the next court hearing. This development follows a previous report that the Prosecutor General's Office appealed a prior verdict in the "Letters of 75" case, seeking harsher penalties for the defendants. The appeal is currently being considered by the Bishkek City Court.

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If there is no crime in their actions, then there is none in the actions of our clients. If the court considers them guilty, then the issue of bringing the other 70 people to justice must be decided.