Activist Perizat Suranova demands 10 million som in compensation from the state

The judicial proceedings concern the damages inflicted on the activist following her arrest in the Kempir-Abad case. Previously, the Pervomaysky District Court of Bishkek acquitted Suranova in this case.

Course of the judicial process

During the preliminary hearing held on October 28, a representative of the Ministry of Finance participated in the proceedings. At the request of the defense, the court decided to summon a representative of the MIA, the agency that initiated the criminal case.

According to the activist, her rights were repeatedly violated during the criminal prosecution. She further specified that the issue of reimbursement for material expenses will be considered separately from the main compensation amount.

Precedents in the Kempir-Abad case

Suranova is not the only one seeking damages from the state. Previously, other acquitted participants in the proceedings filed similar lawsuits:

• former Constitutional Court judge and Reform Party chairperson Klara Sooronkulova
• human rights defender and director of the NGO Public Analysis Institute Rita Karasarova

Context

In the autumn of 2022, 27 people protesting against the transfer of reservoir lands to Uzbekistan were detained in the Kempir-Abad case. They were charged with organizing mass riots and attempting a violent seizure of power. All defendants denied guilt, and in January 2023, the case was classified.