Club de Madrid expresses deep concern over the recent arrest of Temirlan Sultanbekov, leader of the Social Democrats party, Vice-President of the Socialist International and an active member of our WYDE Civic Engagement Young Decision Maker Network.
Reports and news surrounding his detention raise alarming questions about the treatment of political opposition and the broader state of civil liberties in the country. We denounce the removal of all Social Democrats from the ballots for the 17 November 2024 local elections, which followed Mr. Sultanbekov’s arrest and detention. Respect for human rights and democratic freedoms is essential during elections, and any erosion of these values threatens the legitimacy of the democratic process.
Young leaders, regardless of their political orientation, must be able to participate in democratic processes without fear of intimidation or retaliation. A healthy democracy requires an environment where all voices can be heard, free from repression and injustice.
Such actions, if confirmed, raise profound concerns about the respect for political freedoms and human rights in Kyrgyzstan. The lack of transparency and fairness surrounding Mr. Sultanbekov’s detention undermines public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and electoral processes. Transparent and impartial judicial proceedings are the cornerstone of any democracy, and deviations from these principles jeopardize both justice and the rule of law.
In protest, Mr. Sultanbekov has entered on a hunger strike in prison, claiming the accusations against him are politically driven and unrelated to any alleged wrongdoing. This situation is extremely worrisome, putting his health and well-being in danger
We urge the international community to advocate for the release of Mr. Sultanbekov and to stand firm in supporting the preservation of democratic standards in Kyrgyzstan. We urge the authorities to take immediate steps to address his situation, respecting his right to due process, and upholding the civil and political rights guaranteed under Kyrgyzstan’s constitution and international obligations.
For further reference, the Socialist International has also issued a statement on this matter, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for collective action. More details can be found in their official statement and their social media post.