Rita Karasartova, human rights defender and civic governance expert in Kyrgyzstan, was detained on 14 April 2025 after law enforcement raided her home in Bishkek. She now faces charges under Article 278(3) of the Criminal Code for allegedly inciting unrest, which she denies. On 17 April, a court extended her pre-trial detention until 12 May. The hearing was held at night with serious procedural violations. At the next court hearing on 30 May, Rita’s detention in the pre-trial detention center was extended until at least 12 June.
