Kyrgyz Activist Fined For Protesting Against Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine

Aziza Abdirasulova

BISHKEK -- Noted Kyrgyz human rights activist Aziza Abdirasulova has been fined for publicly protesting against Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The Birinchi Mai district court in Bishkek on March 24 ordered Abdirasulova to pay a 3,000-som ($30) fine after finding her guilty of disobeying police orders as she protested in front of the Russian Embassy in Bishkek.

Abdirasulova pleaded not guilty.

Earlier the same day, the court sentenced lawyer Nurbek Toktakunov to five days in jail for contempt of court.

Toktakunov defended Abdirasulova and two other activists, Dinara Oshurakhunova and Ondurush Toktonasyrov, who were fined two days before for refusing to follow police instructions.

The three activists were detained on March 17 in front of the Russian Embassy in Bishkek, where they were protesting the war in Ukraine.

They were charged with minor hooliganism and disobedience to police and released from custody hours later.