Freedom for Eurasia condemns today’s decision of the Bishkek City Court to uphold the conviction and five-year probation sentence imposed on prominent human rights defender Rita Karasartova. The ruling confirms the September 2025 judgment of the Sverdlov District Court, which found Ms. Karasartova guilty under Articles 278 (“Mass Disorders”) and 327 (“Public Calls for Violent Seizure of Power”) of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
These charges have no legitimate basis and appear to be politically motivated, targeting Ms. Karasartova for her long-standing work in defending human rights, promoting government accountability, and exercising her right to freedom of expression.
The decision to maintain the conviction perpetuates an alarming pattern of judicial pressure against civil society actors and further undermines Kyrgyzstan’s adherence to its international human rights obligations, including the right to a fair trial and the protection of peaceful dissent.
Ms. Karasartova’s announced intention to appeal to the Supreme Court is both justified and necessary. Freedom for Eurasia calls on the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic to ensure full compliance with due process standards and to overturn this unjust conviction.
We further remind the authorities that the criminal prosecution of human rights defenders is contrary to the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and erodes public confidence in the justice system.
In addition, we note that Ms. Karasartova is still awaiting a decision from the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek in the so-called Kempir-Abad case, a process emblematic of the wider crackdown on activists who peacefully expressed their views on issues of public interest.
Freedom for Eurasia urges the Government of Kyrgyzstan to end reprisals against human rights defenders, guarantee the independence of the judiciary, and take concrete steps to restore the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in the country.