MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov

B10‑0224/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov

(2024/2993(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Kyrgyzstan,

–  having regard to Rule 107 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

1. Whereas ahead of November municipal elections in Kyrgyzstan, searches were conducted at the headquarters of the Social Democrats of Kyrgyzstan (SDK) on 13 November 2024; whereas the Bishkek Territorial Election Commission subsequently disqualified all of the party's municipal candidates in Bishkek;
2. Whereas Temirlan Sultanbekov, the leader SDK and party members Irina Karamushkina, and Roza Turksever, were unlawfully detained and remanded into custody for two months; whereas Mr Sultanbekov is currently on hunger strike to protest his unjust continued detention and the disqualification of his party, and is refusing from medical assistance;
3. Whereas Mr Sultanbekov was denied legal representation, and pressured to withdraw his candidacy in the elections; whereas following his refusal, he was denied his rights under Kyrgyz electoral law;
4. Whereas on 17 November 2024 a criminal case was opened under the "Vote buying" article of the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan, based on an audio recording allegedly discussing vote buying among undetermined people; whereas the existence of a judicial authorization for the recording is unclear and its connexion with the detainees is unknown; whereas Mr. Sultanbekov denies the charges and no credible evidence was presented at the time; whereas the SDK demonstrated that payments to campaign staff were transparent and through legal banking channels;
5. Whereas the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union, signed on June 2024, is meant to provide a new framework for relations among both parts, including on human rights and democracy;
6. Whereas the EPCA is subjected to the Parliament consent procedure and to the full compliance of Kyrgyzstan’s protection of human rights and democratic standards;

1. Condemns the unlawful detention of Temirlan Sultanbekov and other pro-democracy activists in Kyrgyzstan; is concerned by the possible political motivations behind the criminal case against him;

2. Expresses concern over the targeting and weakening of opposition forces, alongside civil society, independent media, and economic entities, deteriorating the human rights’ situation in Kyrgyzstan;
3. Urges Kyrgyzstan authorities to immediately release Mr Sultanbekov and other pro-democracy activists, or to adopt alternative measures to detention; calls on the authorities to drop politically motivated charges against him;
4. Regrets that it has been more than 28 days of his hunger strike, which significantly worsens his health condition; calls on the authorities to ensure his safety and well-being;
5. Calls on the EU Delegations and EU Member States’ embassies to the country to closely follow the situation; calls on EU Member States’ to raise these  concerns with the Kyrgyz authorities;
6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the EU’s VP / HR, the EUSR for Central Asia, EU Member States, the UN Human Rights Council and the Kyrgyz authorities.