Blogger and Activists Placed in Pretrial Detention Following Protest over Drinking Water

As reported by RFE/RL on July 18th, the Sokuluk district court in northern Kyrgyzstan has ordered the detention of prominent blogger Ertai Iskakov along with activists Bakyt Balbaev and Baktybek Bekbolotov until September 15. Their detention relates to a recent demonstration held by two villages urging the restoration of drinking water supplies. The charges against the men include hooliganism and the unlawful obstruction of a highway. Lawyers representing the men informed said that their clients pleaded not guilty. Iskakov, a well-known blogger recognized for addressing social issues in his content. Several villages in close proximity to Bishkek, the capital, have encountered prolonged shortages in drinking water supplies.