13/08/2012 JUA 13/08/2012 JUA Case No Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply KGZ 5/2011 Kyrgyz Republic Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Torture; Alleged upholding of sentence of life imprisonment of human rights defender 04/10/2012 by the Supreme Court. According to information received, on 20 December 2011, the Supreme Court issued its decision upholding the sentence of life imprisonment against Mr. Azimjan Askarov on charges of organizing mass disorder, inciting inter-ethnic hatred, hostage-taking and incitement to murder. On 26 January 2011, a review of his case and that of seven codefendants had been commenced by the Supreme Court following the verdict of guilty by the Court of Appeal in November 2010. The Supreme Court had in February 2012 agreed to decide on Mr. Askarov‘s case separately. Serious concerns were raised regarding Mr. Askarov‘s right to a fair trial during the first and second instance trials and it is alleged that these were not adequately addressed in the Supreme Court‘s decision. Mr. Askarov was the subject of previous communications (see A/HRC/16/44/Add.1, para 1422, 1449 &1465 and A/HRC/18/51, case no KGZ 1/2011). LAO 1/2012 République Démocratique Populaire Lao Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Torture; 10/10/2012 Alleged torture by detention personnel and refusal to meet with family or lawyer, and denial of legal aid during detention. According to the information received, Mr. Souvanh is a human rights defender who was arrested on 18 June 2012. He is a farmer who had been active in advocating for land rights in his local community. The group of human rights defenders was protesting a land concession given by the local government for which the farmers demanded proper compensation. The arrest followed complaints and a petition sent by the farmers to various governmental agencies. During his fourteen day detention, Mr. Souvanh was allegedly bound by his arms and legs and repeatedly beaten while receiving only eight meals. Furthermore, he was not allowed to meet with his relatives or lawyer and was denied any legal assistance. Mr. Souvanh was reportedly also forced to sign a declaration to renounce his rights and to abstain from further action. A/HRC/22/67 72 Date Type