Kyrgyz rapist sentenced, victim's life devastated

In Kyrgyzstan, a 16-year-old girl named Meerim Aliaskarova, who suffers from severe cerebral palsy and epilepsy, was raped by her 66-year-old neighbor, Duishenaly Adykov, more than two years ago. This traumatic event, which occurred in the village of Kurmenty, resulted in Aliaskarova giving birth to a stillborn child after an emergency Caesarean section. Following this horrific incident, Aliaskarova's health significantly deteriorated, with her family reporting that she experiences frequent seizures, high blood pressure, and increased anxiety. Before the rape, she would go without seizures for months, but now has them two to four times monthly, impacting her ability to engage socially and leaving her withdrawn. Adykov was sentenced to over 11 years in prison, with his appeal denied on October 30. This case is part of a troubling trend in Kyrgyzstan, where sexual violence against children is rampant and often goes unreported. Authorities have recently enacted tougher penalties for sexual crimes against minors, including eliminating the statute of limitations for pedophilia and prohibiting closed criminal cases without due process. Despite the sentencing of Adykov, Aliaskarova's family fears that she will never fully recover or lead a normal life again. The stigma surrounding sexual violence in Kyrgyzstan remains high, with many families hesitant to speak out due to fear and societal pressures. Ongoing cases highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms and greater protection for vulnerable children in the country.