BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Feb 26, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Kyrgyzstan's president pushed
back at the European Union on Wednesday after the bloc accused his Central
Asian government of waging a crackdown on dissent.

Around 100 politicians, journalists and civil society figures have been
arrested in the ex-Soviet country over the past three years, according to an
AFP count.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution in December censuring Kyrgyzstan
for arresting opposition leader Temirlan Sultanbekov and of pursuing a
"campaign of intimidation and legal persecution" against media and political
figures critical of President Sadyr Japarov.

"Freedom of speech and protection of human rights are key priorities of the
Kyrgyz Republic," Japarov was quoted as saying by his office after meeting a
visiting EU Parliament delegation.

"The President expressed regret that the republic faces a one-sided and
subjective attitude, especially noticeable in the resolutions of the European
Parliament on the situation in Kyrgyzstan," his office said.

The European Union's mission in the country made no mention of Japarov's
remarks in its readout of the visit, saying the parliament delegation
discussed "key issues related to human rights, fundamental freedoms, and
democratic governance".

The nation of around seven million people bordering China has experienced
several bouts of unrest since becoming independent from the Soviet Union in
1991, including a 2020 anti-government revolution that saw Japarov rise to
power.

Civil society groups say the Russian-allied country has since stepped up
repression, despite it being considered the most democratic state in a region
dominated by authoritarian regimes.

Japarov, elected in 2021 on a populist platform, denies cracking down on
civil society and accuses those arrested of presenting genuine threats to
national security.