Former Kyrgyz President Atambayev Sentenced In Absentia To 11 Years

Former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev was sentenced in absentia to over 11 years in prison on charges of corruption, illegal land acquisition, and inciting mass unrest related to violent events in Koi-Tash in 2019. The conviction stemmed from a consolidated trial covering multiple cases, including corruption linked to the Bishkek thermal power plant and illicit enrichment. Atambayev, who served from 2011 to 2017 and was the only Kyrgyz leader to complete a full term before stepping down, fell out with his successor, leading to his arrest after a violent raid on his residence. Following his release on health grounds in 2023, Atambayev has lived abroad, primarily in Spain. Kyrgyzstan’s current president, Sadyr Japarov, has indicated he might consider granting amnesty if Atambayev requests it, while the case has significant implications for political accountability in the country. Alongside Atambayev, several associates received prison sentences, and state awards and properties linked to him were confiscated.