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Former Kyrgyz president charged with mass murder and polygamy in absentia
Published: 27 April, 2010, 17:01
Edited: 08 June, 2010, 04:27
RIA Novosti / Andrey Stenin, STF
TAGS: Conflict, Crime, Scandal, CIS, Russia, Protest, Politics, Human rights, Belarus, Law, Central Asia, Kyrgyz uprising
Ousted Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev has been charged in absentia of mass killings, polygamy, and corruption by the interim government and some human rights groups in the country.
On Monday, the Kyrgyz interim government stripped Bakiyev of presidential immunity, and has started talks of his possible extradition from Belarus.
According to Azimbek Beknazarov, the interim legal chief, Kyrgyzstan will seek to put the former head of state on trial for ordering police to fire on demonstrators on April 7. More than 80 people died in violent protests, which led to the overthrow of Bakiyev’s regime in the country.
Mr. Beknazarov made note of an extradition agreement signed by Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. He said that documents seeking Bakiyev’s arrest are being prepared and will soon be sent to Minsk.
Azimbek Beknazarov also said further charges might be pressed against Bakiyev once he returns to Kyrgyzstan and goes on trial. Bakiyev is also being accused of abusing his political power, letting nepotism run rampant in the country, and distributing high official ranks between his relatives.
The interim legal chief also said a private zoo has been discovered in one of Bakiyev’s residences. It is reported the zoo housed several rare and endangered animals, such as a snow leopard, which is on the red list of endangered species.
Kurmanbek Bakiyev has been in Minsk, under protection from the Belarusian president Aleksander Lukashenko, since last week. Bakiyev fled from riot-torn Kyrgyz capital Bishkek of April 7, keeping everyone guessing about his exact whereabouts until last Tuesday, when he resurfaced in Belarus.
On top of allegations of mass murder and corruption, the former Kyrgyz leader may also have to answer to allegations of polygamy.
The leader of a Kyrgyz human rights group “Our Right” Kalicha Urmalieva said the organization has asked law enforcement authorities to launch a criminal investigation to find out whether the former president has broken several laws by being married to more than one woman at the same time.
Recent reports in Kyrgyz press claim Bakiyev had been married to two other women, keeping two families on the side in addition to his official wife. Several years ago, Bakiyev had launched an initiative in the Kyrgyz parliament to re-consider criminal punishment for monogamy. However, the initiative has been turned down by the Kyrgyz lawmakers.
Bakiyev was ousted on April 7 of this year, following protests against his administration in the Kyrgyz capital. More than 85 people died in the violent clashes between the police and the protesters.
Kurmanbek Bakiyev fled the capital, claiming he was still de juro president, refusing to accept any responsibility for the carnage. He later refused to affirm he signed a resignation document, only to reclaim his statements later.
He attempted to regain control in his native town in the south of Kyrgyzstan, but was forced to flee to neighbouring Kazakhstan after his attempts failed.
Bakiyev has not received much sympathy from abroad while Moscow has already expressed its readiness to work with the Kyrgyz interim government, pledging $50 million in financial aid and oil to aid the country’s economic situation.
Irina Galushko, RT
27.04.2010, 16:01
1 comment
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There is no question Bakiyev's corrupt dealings have hurt the people. But it is also important to look at the new ruling group, and not be blinded by their pressure for pursuing former President. I have found it disturbing that this informal group now heading Kyrgizstan is committing acts that can permanently damage the country. It is easy in the afterglow of the successful revolution to avoid the "warts" of the new regime. But the trouble signs are aplenty, and Russia is well advised to try to help the population directly, but wait until a legitimate government is elected. The problem signs include the decision by the ruling team to change the Constitution. They should not be allowed to do that! They need to organize elections for the Parliament, and the President. Then follow the laws as they exist, until the Parliament --- representing all people --- change the Constitution should they desire to do so. Also, the interrim rulers are going too far with the extradition drama. This is to keep the populace in trans, while they take their sweet time --- six months --- to write new consitution, new election laws, and act as if they are the legitimate rulers of Kyrgizstan. With all due respect for the tragedy, these people are unknowns. The troubling reports by no other then top analyst of the region, M.K. Bhadrakumar, point to the role of drug barrons in the coup. So, it may be helpful to see who is in charge, and where does their money come from, before they are allowed to be so high and mighty. The changes to consitution would bar any party from having more then 50% delegates in Parliament! This is to guarantee hung parliament, a situation all countries tend to avoid if they can help it! This is to make into the law the right to manipulate parties --- and take away the power of voters. Also, Election commission is to give away 2/3 of the vote to UN, OSCE, and others. Another sign, that the new people have no confidence voters.