Prison guards in Kyrgyzstan (file photo) (AFP)
March 27, 2006 -- More than 20 death-row inmates in Kyrgyzstan have written President Kurmanbek Bakiev asking for their cases to be reopened.
In an open letter published in local newspapers today, the prisoners say many death-row inmates are victims of unfair trials held under the previous regime.
The inmates say they are not seeking a blanket amnesty, but would like Bakiev to appoint a commission of judges and lawyers to re-examine their cases.
Although the death penalty remains on the books, Kyrgyzstan has observed a moratorium on executions for several years.
(ITAR-TASS)
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