President Jeenbekov on human rigths defender Askarov's case: International norms were met

AKIPRESS.COM - International norms were met. Kyrgyzstan should have rule of law, President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said about case of human rights defender Azimjan Askarov, who was handed down life sentence and died on July 25 in prison.
"It would be wrong if I comment the court rulings," the President said in an interview with the Birinchi Radio.
Azimjan Askarov was handed life sentence by Bazar-Korgon district court on September 15 for participation in mass disorders, incitement of ethnic hatred, murder of a police officer and injuring other police officers in ethnic violence on June 12-13, 2010 in Bazar-Korgon district.
Human rights organizations said Askarov was convicted unlawfully and suffered for his human rights work. International organizations urged Kyrgyz authorities to release Askarov from prison and quash his conviction, conduct a new trial in accordance with the principles of fair hearings, presumption of innocence.