Lawyer Tahir Asanov was attacked in court after calling for an investigation into police brutality against his client and nine other men during their trial in Osh, southern Kyrgyzstan. The accused and Tahir Asanov are at imminent risk of further violence as the trial continues.
On September 29th, 2010 Mr. Asanov defended a client accused of a number of charges arising from the June 2010 violence in Kyrgystan which resulted in the death of the Kara Suu Police Chief. During a break in the trial, the steel cage which holds the accused was opened, and several uniformed officers from the MIA (Ministry of Internal Affairs) beat the accused men for about 20 minutes.
On September 30th, 2010 relatives of the murdered man shouted insults and physically attacked Asanov when he requested an investigation into the beatings and independent medical examinations. After the hearing, the relatives followed Asanov outside the courtroom and beat him again. Police were present but did not intervene.
LRWC is concerned that Asanov is at risk of further physical and verbal attacks.
LRWC requests that a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation is conducted into the allegations made by the accused men that they were beaten while in detention and that you ensure that the men receive an independent medical examination.
LRWC ACTION
Letter written October 4th, 2010 by Dale W. Darychuk
