Klara Sooronkulova
A lawyer, human rights defender, and political figure. She has played an active role in the judicial system and political processes. A former judge of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, a teacher, politician, leader of the “Reforma” political party, and a former presidential candidate.
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.
Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic – “Organizing mass unrest”
Article 326 – “Attempt to seize power by force”
In February 2023, an additional charge was brought against Klara Sooronkulova under:
Article 318 – “Violence against a representative of state authority”
She was accused of “calling for the overthrow of the government” for sharing a post by well-known activist Mirlan Uraimov on her Facebook page in February 2022. The post was part of the #камасаңар flashmob campaign of that year.
Klara Sooronkulova is a prominent lawyer, political figure, and active representative of Kyrgyzstan’s civil society. She has worked tirelessly to strengthen the rule of law, promote democratic institutions, and protect human rights. Sooronkulova is known for her principled stance, independent thinking, and outspoken criticism of the authorities. Although she did not have a specific public position on the Kempir-Abad issue, her overall political activism and efforts to strengthen civil society are considered the main reasons behind her arrest. Her detention has been assessed by civil society and international organizations as politically motivated persecution.
The Kempir-Abad case is one of the most high-profile political cases in Kyrgyzstan. In October 2022, protests erupted in response to the government’s decision to demarcate the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border. The authorities justified the handover of the Kempir-Abad reservoir to Uzbekistan as necessary for finalizing the border and ensuring regional security. However, opposition figures and civil society criticized the move as a threat to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Following the protests, the government charged members of the “Committee for the Protection of Kempir-Abad” and other activists, including well-known politicians, public figures, activists, and journalists. They were accused under:
Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic – “Organizing mass unrest”
Article 326 – “Attempt to seize power by force”
In February 2023, an additional charge was brought against Klara Sooronkulova under:
Article 318 – “Violence against a representative of state authority”
She was accused of “calling for the overthrow of the government” for sharing a post by well-known activist Mirlan Uraimov on her Facebook page in February 2022. The post was part of the #камасаңар flashmob campaign of that year.
Initially, the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) sought to appoint an expert examination, but found no grounds to open a criminal case. However, within the broader Kempir-Abad case, the investigation was reopened, and her past social media posts were used as evidence. This process highlighted the lack of substantiated evidence and the politically driven nature of the prosecution.
The investigation and court proceedings dragged on for nearly two years, with the defendants held in pretrial detention under harsh conditions. Some suffered serious health issues, were hospitalized, or went on hunger strikes. International organizations noted that the detention conditions failed to meet international standards.
In June 2024, the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek acquitted several defendants, including Klara Sooronkulova. However, the case is currently under appeal in the second instance. International bodies continue to regard the case as politically motivated persecution.
After being detained in October 2022 in connection with the “Kempir-Abad case,” Klara Sooronkulova’s health significantly deteriorated. The harsh conditions in the pretrial detention center (SIZO-1) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Current home detention. Can not leave Bishkek and the Chui region.
After being detained in October 2022 in connection with the “Kempir-Abad case,” Klara Sooronkulova’s health significantly deteriorated. The harsh conditions in the pretrial detention center (SIZO-1), including damp and confined cells and constant psychological stress, had a serious negative impact on her well-being. In protest of her unlawful detention, Sooronkulova began a hunger strike on December 14, 2022, which severely weakened her body and immune system. Following the hunger strike, her body experienced intense stress, exacerbating pre-existing health conditions and complicating the rehabilitation process.
In March 2023, Sooronkulova underwent a major surgical operation. Doctors noted that her condition worsened after the procedure and emphasized that her rehabilitation required special conditions. Medical professionals recommended placing her under house arrest and maintaining her under medical supervision. However, just days after the surgery, Sooronkulova was returned to SIZO-1. This decision sparked public outcry, prompting the Ombudsman’s Office and human rights organizations to call for urgent measures to ensure proper medical care.
While in detention, Sooronkulova developed pneumonia, which demanded close medical attention. Her immune system was severely weakened, and the combination of the hunger strike, poor detention conditions, and the aftermath of surgery further deteriorated her health. Her lawyers and family members submitted multiple petitions requesting her transfer to house arrest.
Although the “Kempir-Abad case” is widely regarded as politically motivated, certain defendants including Sooronkulova were eventually released to house arrest due to their medical conditions.
International human rights organizations and domestic activists have repeatedly emphasized that the inhumane conditions of Sooronkulova’s detention and the lack of adequate medical care constitute a clear example of political persecution.
