Distinguished human rights defender in custody

Rita Karassartova, a human rights defender and civic governance specialist in Kyrgyzstan, was arrested on 14 April 2025 when law enforcement officers raided her home in Bishkek and is now charged under article 287-3 of the Criminal Code with inciting social unrest, a charge she denies. On 17 April, a court extended her pretrial detention until 12 May. The hearing, which was held during the night, was marked by serious procedural violations. At t…