Update on Raimkulov’s case
This is just to give an update to what is going on with the investigation of Almazbek Raimkulov’s case, who was detained in Las-Vegas about two weeks ago. First, the president Kurmanbek Bakiev believes that the top priority of the state should be protection of its citizens’ rights and interests, especially those who live abroad. Bakiev charged the Ministry of Internal Affairs to render every possible assistance to release Raimkulov and to his family residing in the U.S. under Kyrgyz citizens’ rights protection program, informs 24.kg. The president asked the U.S. Ambassador Ms. Marie L. Yovanovitch to help to settle Raimkulov’s case. The Ambassador said that she would do her best to release Raimkulov and protect his interests while on a two-week business trip to the U.S.
Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission under the Kyrgyz President, Tursunbek Akun, during the press conference at AKIpress said that the trial over his case will take place on November 27 in the USA. He then adds:
“If this incident had not caused such hot debates in the country, the trail would not have taken place. Not only general public, but government officials have shown their concern over this case. Kyrgyz citizens living in the United States have collected US$ 5 thousand for bail payment to release Almazbek Raimkulov from custody. But Raimkulov is still kept under custody”.
I was really surprised to see that reaction of people who know him was really fast. His friends collected some money for bail payment and sent the amount to Raimkulov’s mother who lives in the US. Even those who do not know him personally are trying to help. For instance, this guy Dyuishon Jekshenkulov is now busy collecting and sending the money, and getting in touch with Raimkulov’s mother Shairgul to make sure things are going smooth. He gives his reasons why he is doing it on a voluntary basis. He is very much admired of professionalism and talent of the boxer and believes that what Raimkulov achieved in this life is due to his own diligence and hard work, without anyone’s help or money. The full discussion of his and others opinion and actions taken jointly to help the boxer can be viewed on Kg-ordo.net.
on November 24th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
This is not an issue of human rights, simply U.S. law. He was arrested for driving drunk twice (DUI) and never paid the fines for those previous arrests. His rights are not being violated - he lives in the US and therefore, like everyone else, is subject to US laws.
on November 25th, 2007 at 4:14 am
OK. Let’s not get too carried away here.
A boxer driving under the influence of alcohol. Doesn’t seem impossible. In fact, boxers do have a reputation for anti-social activities.
He got caught. If he was charged, then he had to have blown a positive on the alcohol breathalizer. He skipped bail. The police caught with him. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
Which is much better than other outcomes. Let’s say, if he had crashed into a car with a family, killing a young girl and her mother. Or run into another car causing a traumatic injury to another.
Let’s not try and say this is a human right’s case.
It’s just a young boxer who did something stupid, and now has to deal with the consequences.
on November 25th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Andrew, thanks for your comment. Of course, if he was guilty and did indeed drove under the influence of alcohol, then let him get punished so next time he does not repeat it, and big tragedy you mentioned does not happen. Getting punished for such misbehavior is absolutely right. I wish it was like that in Kyrgyzstan, since so many innocent people die because of some crazy drunk who drive and crash and kill other people.
on November 25th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Asel, I’d love it if you could change the name of the post. The people who posted comments do not quite feel that they support this issue as a human rights case (it’s not). I am confused by why there is so much fuss around this issue.
on November 25th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Anna, maybe you are right, the name of the post does not really correspond to what I wanted this post be about. I just wanted to give an update to the investigation.