AKIPRESS.COM - "The decision by a court in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday to uphold a life sentence against political activist and journalist Azimzhan Askarov is deeply troubling and we are concerned that it highlights serious shortcomings in the country’s judicial system," Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani said in press briefing on January 24. 

The court, which reconsidered Askarov’s case from 4 October 2016 to 24 January 2017, confirmed the original verdict, finding him guilty on a variety of charges, including accessory to murder, incitement of inter-ethnic hatred and hostage-taking in the context of ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan in June 2010.

The decision by the national court clearly did not take into account the views of the UN Human Rights Committee which found in March 2016 that Askarov had been arbitrarily detained, held in inhumane conditions, tortured and prevented from adequately preparing his defence, Ravina Shamdasani said.

"Despite the repeated commitment of the Kyrgyz authorities to uphold international fair trial standards and to resolutely investigate torture allegations, this latest trial vividly displayed the deficiencies in the country’s judicial and law enforcement system," the statement said.

Spokesperson also urged Kyrgyzstan "to conduct impartial, objective and thorough investigations and judicial proceedings in order to ensure justice for all."