Merkel urged to raise rights with Kyrgyz president
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 10 December 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Merkel urged to raise rights with Kyrgyz president, 10 December 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50cb3ac7c.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 10, 2012
By RFE/RL
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
The U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel to raise "serious human rights concerns" during talks with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev.
Atambaev is expected to meet with Merkel in Berlin on December 11.
HRW's statement on December 10 condemned intimidation faced by human rights activists focusing on the situation in the country's south, where relations between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz remain tense after ethnic violence in 2010.
Concerns were also raised over the decision by Kyrgyz authorities to ban a documentary about gay Muslims at a September film festival in Bishkek.
According to the statement, torture is still used in Kyrgyzstan's prisons.
HRW's Europe and Central Asia division director Hugh Williamson said that "Berlin should expect the government in Bishkek to uphold its international human rights commitments."
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
