URGENT ACTION

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER SENTENCED TO PROBATION
Rita Karasartova, a human rights defender and civic governance expert in Kyrgyzstan, was arrested on 14 April 2025 and charged under two articles of the criminal code: “Organizing mass riots” and “Public calls for the violent seizure of power.” On 18 September, a court in Kyrgyzstan convicted her and sentenced her to five years’ probation.

NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS.

Rita Karasartova, a human rights defender and civic governance expert from Kyrgyzstan, was detained on 14 April 2025 following a search of her home by law enforcement officers. She was charged under vague politically motivated articles of the criminal code, including “Organizing mass riots”, in apparent retaliation for her peaceful human rights work and civic participation. The case materials were classified, and the trial was held behind closed doors in violation of her right to a fair and public hearing.

On 18 September 2025, a court in Kyrgyzstan convicted Rita Karasartova and sentenced her to five years’ probation. This means that for the entire period Rita will remain under police supervision and will not be able to leave Kyrgyzstan. In addition, she was fined 50,000 soms (around US$570).

“I am very glad to be able to post in solidarity with other activists throughout the world. You’re doing an amazing job!” - Rita Karasartova.

Rita Karasartova was one of the cases of Amnesty International’s Write for Rights 2023 campaign. This is the second criminal case against her. She was previously detained in 2022 in connection with the so-called Kempir-Abad case, when she and other activists called for the authorities to be transparent about a controversial border agreement with Uzbekistan. Together with the 21 other defendants in the case, they were acquitted in June 2024.

NAME AND PRONOUN: Rita Karasartova (she/her)

THIS IS THE FIRST AND FINAL OUTPUT FOR UA 49/25 (EUR 58/0165/2025)

LINK TO PREVIOUS UA: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur58/0165/2025/en/