Almazbek Atambayev, who once stood out as a hero of the people on the political scene of Kyrgyzstan, is now entering history as a criminal, according to a court decision. The Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek found Atambayev, who was the president of Kyrgyzstan from 2011–2017, guilty of several crimes and sentenced him in absentia to 11 years and 6 months of imprisonment. This was reported by “Cactus Media”.
The court session was held under the chairmanship of judge Aziret Mederov. According to the documents presented to the court, the former president was found guilty of illegally seizing lands in the village of Koi-Tash in Chuy region, corruption during the modernization process of the Bishkek Thermal Power Station, and organizing mass riots in Koi-Tash in August 2019.
According to the verdict, Atambayev was deprived not only of his freedom, but also of his property, and also of state awards.
Now he has retained only one thing – the title of former president. However, this title now serves merely as a reminder of a fading shadow of a political legend from the past.
Atambayev is not alone
Among those punished in relation to the "Koi-Tash events" are the former head of the President's Office Farid Niyazov, and the former deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Ravshan Jeenbekov – both of whom were sentenced to 7 years and 8 months of imprisonment. Another deputy, Irina Karamushkina, was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months.
It should be noted that the list of those convicted resembles a society of political "acquaintances". For instance, former deputies Asel Koduranova (3 years), Meyorbek Miskembayev (5 years), Atambayev's bodyguard Kanat Sagimbayev, and supportive journalist Kunduz Joldubaeva – each received a 5-year probation sentence. As if in this "political drama", each actor played their role – some left the stage, while others will not leave prison.
Previous cases – old news
Atambayev had already been sentenced before. On June 23, 2020, the court imprisoned him for 11 years and 2 months for illegally freeing the criminal authority Aziz Batukayev. Later on, these cases were revisited, and Atambayev was acquitted of some charges. Specifically, the case regarding mass riots in 2020 was closed due to the lack of a criminal component.
However, these acquittals did not completely clear Atambayev. The political reputation that was stained cannot be washed away by any court decision. On February 14, 2023, he was released from the colony due to his health and flew abroad the next day. Perhaps now he will hear his sentence from abroad.
The thorny paths of politics
Atambayev, who once sat in the presidential chair, who won the trust of the people, is today a former leader, a former politician, a former free citizen. Time will show how history will judge him, but for now, the court has given him a stern verdict. In the political field, both victors and losers will one day be held accountable. Simply, some face it in a courtroom, while others in their conscience.
