The Sokuluk district court in north Kyrgyzstan's sentenced a man on January 26 to 20 years in prison for severely beating his ex-wife and cutting off her nose and ears. Azamat Estebesov was found guilty of torture, rape, attempted murder, violation of privacy, and inflicting serious bodily harm. He told journalists after his sentence was pronounced that he will appeal the ruling. The case caused a public outcry and numerous rallies were held calling on the government to curb domestic violence. Rights activists launched an online petition demanding life in prison for Estebesov. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, click here.
Kyrgyz Man Who Cut Off Ex-Wife's Nose, Ears Gets 20 Years In Prison
Azamat Estebesov (second from left) is accompanied by police at a court in Sokuluk on January 26.