ODIHR deeply saddened by death of human rights defender Azimjan Askarov

WARSAW, 25 July 2020 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expresses profound sadness following the death of the human rights defender Azimjan Askarov in prison earlier today. Askarov, a long-standing partner of ODIHR, spent many years prior to his arrest in 2010 documenting police abuse and brutality in his native Kyrgyzstan.

ODIHR has been calling for Askarov’s release since he was first arrested. Together with many other observers of Askarov’s trials in 2010 and 2011, the Office repeatedly noted serious violations of fair trial standards and the failure of the authorities to address the intimidation of defence witnesses and lawyers or follow up on visible signs of torture. Just two months ago, ODIHR voiced regret over the decision of Kyrgyzstan’s Supreme Court to uphold the life sentence imposed on Askarov in 2010. It is unfortunate that the Kyrgyz authorities did not use the opportunity open to them to restore justice.

All 57 countries of the OSCE have recognized the vital role played by human rights defenders in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. ODIHR continues to stand firmly with human rights defenders across the OSCE region.

Today, we grieve together with Azimjan’s family and all who knew him.