Perizat Suranova
A civic activist, public figure, and human rights defender who has been an active participant in public life and a strong advocate for the principles of democracy and human rights.
House detention
Verdict was issued in the court of first instance (publicly known as the “Kempirabad case”) in 2024. Currently, the case is under review in the city court (second instance), and a verdict has not yet been delivered.
Charged under Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (“Organization of mass riots”) and Article 326 (“Attempt to seize power by force”).
Perizat Suranova is a civic activist, public figure, and human rights defender. She has made significant contributions to the protection of land and water resources, border issues, education, women’s rights, political literacy, and the protection of migrants, thereby playing an important role in strengthening civil society. Her work has been aimed at advancing democratic values and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in governance processes. Suranova has become one of the key figures encouraging the active participation of women and citizens in public life in Kyrgyzstan.
The Kempir-Abad case remains one of the most high-profile political cases in the country’s recent history. It began in October 2022 after protests against the government’s decision on the demarcation of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border. While the authorities justified the transfer of the territory surrounding the Kempir-Abad reservoir to Uzbekistan as necessary for border clarification and regional security, the opposition and civil society criticized the move as a threat to Kyrgyzstan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Following the protests, members of the “Committee to Protect Kempir-Abad” and other civic activists were charged with “preparing mass riots” and “attempting to seize power by force.” More than 20 people were arrested, including prominent politicians, public figures, activists, and journalists. The case drew strong criticism both domestically and internationally. Human rights organizations labeled it as politically motivated persecution, accusing the Kyrgyz authorities of using criminal prosecution to suppress opposition and critical voices. They reported violations of detainees’ rights, lack of fair trial guarantees, and prosecutions based on political views.
The investigation and trial lasted nearly two years, with defendants held in harsh conditions in pre-trial detention centers. Some saw their health deteriorate, were transferred to hospitals, or declared hunger strikes. Detention conditions were repeatedly criticized as failing to meet international standards.
In June 2024, the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek acquitted several defendants, including Perizat Suranova. However, the case remains under review in the court of second instance. International organizations continue to describe the proceedings as politically motivated persecution.
From the moment she was placed in pre-trial detention, Perizat Suranova experienced severe stress. She suffered from constant high blood pressure and insomnia, yet prison doctors were unable to determine the cause of her condition. Eventually, she was briefly taken outside for a medical examination, but the recommended treatment was interrupted. Under these circumstances, and without proper preparation, Perizat declared a dry hunger strike, refusing both food and water for 14 days. During this time, the detention facility lacked basic medicines and medical equipment, and a doctor visited only once a week. On other occasions, examinations were conducted only through written requests. Despite her deteriorating state, including weakness so severe that she could no longer get out of bed, the penitentiary service repeatedly denied hospitalization, even after visits from external doctors and calls from the Ombudsman, the National Center for the Prevention of Torture, and other organizations.
The hunger strike and lack of adequate medical care left Perizat in a critical condition, with her immunity severely weakened and her body suffering serious damage. Medical examinations eventually confirmed that she urgently required major surgery, but despite her worsening condition she was denied hospitalization for more than a month. Only after she addressed an open letter to the Ministry of Justice, Parliament, the Ombudsman, and other authorities was she transferred to a hospital. On February 15, 2023, she underwent a major surgery, and the following day her measure of restraint was changed to house arrest due to her health. Since then, Perizat has been under constant medical supervision, undergoing rehabilitation to recover from the long-term consequences of her detention and hunger strike. The poor detention conditions, denial of timely hospitalization, and prolonged lack of treatment inflicted lasting harm on her health, raising the need for adequate compensation and international accountability for the violations of her rights.
