Nurlan Asanbekov
Builder / Construction worker.
In November 11, 2022, the court replaced his pre-trial detention with house arrest.
“Charged under Articles Organization of mass riots – Article 278
Calls for the violent seizure of power – Article 327”
In October 2022, protests in Kyrgyzstan over the transfer of land around the Kempir-Abad reservoir intensified. The authorities responded by detaining 27 politicians, activists, and bloggers on charges of “preparing to organize mass riots” and “attempting to seize power.” Among those arrested was Nurlan Asanbekov, a builder who happened to be working on home renovations for opposition politician Ravshan Jeenbekov at the time.
Asanbekov was detained on October 23, 2022, and a criminal case was opened against him. From November 1 to 11, while awaiting an appellate hearing, he declared a hunger strike, demanding fair treatment and drawing attention to the fact that his detention left his children without care, one of whom was ill, and that his elderly sick mother could not look after them. The court ultimately took these circumstances into account, and on November 11, 2022, replaced his pre-trial detention with house arrest.
On October 23, 2022, Nurlan Asanbekov was detained, and on November 1 he declared a hunger strike. By the time of his appellate hearing on November 11, he was brought to court in a weakened state, having lost significant weight and suffered serious health deterioration as a result of the hunger strike. The appellate court considered his family situation and deteriorating health and decided to transfer him to house arrest. The investigation and trial dragged on for years, and by 2024 many defendants, including Asanbekov, suffered severe psychological distress. While under house arrest, there were instances when hospitals refused to admit him despite his worsening condition. Left without adequate medical care, he developed intracranial pressure and, in a state of desperation, attempted self-immolation. He was then hospitalized, placed under continuous medical supervision, and began rehabilitation. When prosecutors later demanded 20-year sentences for Asanbekov and others, it caused deep shock among the defendants.
Following his hunger strike, Asanbekov experienced drastic weight loss and physical exhaustion, leaving him in urgent need of rehabilitation and long-term medical monitoring. Even while under house arrest, his health continued to decline due to stress and the protracted trial. He remains in need of systematic treatment and ongoing medical care.
