Amnesty International is calling on the government of Kyrgyzstan to take steps to curb the spread of the pandemic, reducing its prison populations and preventing over-crowding. The authorities should consider the release of individuals at particular risk from COVID-19, such as older people and those with underlying medical conditions, and others who may be eligible for early, temporary or conditional release. Amnesty International welcomes the decision of the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to release a certain number of prisoners on amnesty on 9 May 2020. Disappointingly an elderly human rights defender, prisoner of conscience Azimjan Askarov was not among those released at this time.
