The International Union of Socialist Youth urges for democratic freedoms to be upheld in Kyrgyzstan, and the immediate release of Temirlan Sultanbekov.
The International Union of Socialist Youth strongly condemns the illegal detention of Temirlan Sultanbekov, leader of the Social Democrats in Kyrgyzstan. Sultanbekov's arrest, and the subsequent removal of the Social Democratic Party from the local election ballots, raises serious concerns about the erosion of political freedoms in Kyrgyzstan.
We understand that Sultanbekov, who was detained under suspicious circumstances, is being denied legal representation and is receiving coercion to withdraw from upcoming elections. The lack of clear evidence of a crime, and the unjust handling of this case, leads us to believe this is an unlawful attempt to suppress opposition political forces.
This is further evidenced by the removal of all Social Democratic Party candidates from local election ballots, following Sultanbekov's arrest. These actions intimidate those seeking political participation, damage public trust in the electoral process, and ultimately undermine democratic principles.
We call on the Government of Kyrgyzstan to uphold democracy, with free and fair elections. To release Temirlan, and other detainees, immediately and ensure their human and legal rights are respected.
As socialist comrades from across the globe, we stand in solidarity with Temirlan. We will continue to watch this case closely, and wish for his safety and well-being!
27 November 2024
