The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), together with other human rights organisations, express deep concerns over the questioning of human rights activist and former vice-president of FIDH Tolekan Ismailova by law enforcement authorities in Bishkek on 13 March 2026, ahead of a planned peaceful protest. We denounce this action as part of a pattern of pressure against civil society and call on the Kyrgyz authorities to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
On March 13, human rights activist Tolekan Ismailova was taken in for questioning by officers from the Bishkek City Main Internal Affairs Directorate.
The day before, it became known that a pre-investigative check was being conducted in connection with posts on the Facebook account “Tolekan Ismailova,” which, according to law enforcement agencies, could have caused a “negative reaction from users.” However, the specific post that prompted the complaints was not specified.
Responding to investigators’ questions about the content of her posts, she explained: “I post against war and in support of peace and development,” and also shares materials demanding “the restoration of citizens’ constitutional rights and the fulfillment by the authorities of their obligations regarding human rights and freedoms.”
During the interrogation, the investigator also asked questions about the activities of the organization she heads, Bir Duino—Kyrgyzstan, its funding, and the issues the organization addresses.
The interrogation took place on the day that human rights defenders and activists, including Bermet Borubaeva, planned to hold a peaceful gathering outside the administration of Bishkek’s Pervomaisky District in protest against the ongoing ban on rallies in the city’s central areas.
Restrictions on holding peaceful assemblies in this district of Bishkek have been regularly extended for several years now. Human rights defenders view such measures, as well as summoning activists for questioning on the eve of protests, as forms of pressure aimed at restricting freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.
Summoning activists for questioning immediately before planned peaceful assemblies creates a chilling effect and may be viewed as interference with the right to peaceful protest or as intimidation.
In light of the above, we declare:
Pressure on human rights defenders and activists is unacceptable. Interrogations, summonses, and other procedural actions must not be used as a tool for intimidation or to prevent peaceful civic engagement.
Any procedural actions must be carried out in strict compliance with protocol, including the issuance of an official summons and an explanation of the reasons for detention.
Freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are the foundation of a democratic society; restrictions on these rights are permissible only in cases established by law (protection of national security, public order, health, and the rights of others) and for a clearly defined period of time.
The state is obligated to ensure freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in accordance with international standards, including the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
