On behalf of the members of the Central Eurasian Studies Society we write to express our strong concern over the detention of several academic researchers in Kyrgyzstan over the past ten days:

These cases – although different in degree and form – appear to indicate a pattern of pressure exerted to prevent the exercise of academic freedom.  In addition, we are concerned for other scholars and students in the country who are reporting increased pressure on their freedom of expression.

The arrest and detention of academic researchers is of great concern to all our members. We believe that these arrests set a worrisome precedent for academic freedom and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan.   We petition for due process and respect of academic freedom of all scholars working in Kyrgyzstan.