Kyrgyz Activist Loses Appeal Against Prison Term Handed Down Over Facebook Post

Kanikei Aranova (image from social media)

Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court on August 21 rejected an appeal filed by activist Kanykei Aranova against a 42-month prison term she was handed in June over a Facebook post. Aranova was arrested in February as part of a case concerning protests against a Kyrgyz-Uzbek border deal that led to the detention of 27 people. Aranova was initially ordered to pay a fine after she was found guilty of inciting hatred and making online calls to seize power. Prosecutors appealed the ruling, calling it too lenient, after which the Bishkek City Court cancelled the initial ruling and sentenced her to 42 months in prison. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, click here.