From left to right: Temirlan Sultanbekov, Irina Karamushkina, and Roza Turksever. November 2024. Photo courtesy of Kloop.kg
On January 9, the Sverdlov District Court in Bishkek extended the pre-trial detention of Temirlan Sultanbekov, leader of Kyrgyzstan’s Social Democratic Party, along with his two allies, Irina Karamushkina and Roza Turksever, until February 13, according to Kloop.kg.
Sultanbekov’s lawyer, Aibek Turduev, argued that the court lacked grounds for extending the detention, vowing to appeal the decision. However, he admitted that the legal team is facing significant challenges, describing their efforts as akin to “hitting a brick wall.”
During the court session, nutritionist Asel Atayeva raised concerns about Sultanbekov’s deteriorating health. She reported that the political leader, who has been on a hunger strike for over 55 days to protest his detention, has lost 12 kilograms and is severely weakened. Atayeva emphasized the urgent need for hospitalization, warning that his condition is critical.
Ahead of the hearing, Sultanbekov issued a letter claiming that no investigative actions involving him had taken place in the two months since his arrest. He alleged multiple violations of his rights, including his abduction and unlawful detention, and noted that his legal challenges have proceeded without his participation.
Sultanbekov demanded that he be allowed to attend court sessions and called for open hearings. He stated that five court proceedings had already taken place in his absence, which he described as a violation of his constitutional rights.
Sultanbekov, Karamushkina, and Turksever were placed in pre-trial detention at Bishkek’s SIZO-1 facility on November 15, 2024, by order of the Sverdlov District Court. The charges stem from allegations of vote-buying during elections for local councils. Following the criminal investigation, Bishkek’s territorial election commission disqualified the Social Democratic Party from the city council race.
