Kyrgyzstan: Former President Wants to Return

Kurmanbek Bakiyev, convicted in Kyrgyzstan for corruption and abuse of power, expressed a desire to return to Kyrgyzstan, Orda.kz reports, citing Kaktus.media. 

His lawyer explained under what conditions the ex-president was ready to do this.

Lawyer Ikramidin Aitkulov reported that Bakiyev wants to return to his homeland only after the previously issued sentences are overturned.

I am challenging the constitutionality of the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Kyrgyz Republic that were applied when bringing to justice and convicting the courts. First, all the sentences must be overturned, then he will fly in and appear before the court. He will defend himself since he does not consider himself guilty. And as far as I have studied this case, there are no legal grounds to convict him. The Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan has the right not only to overturn the sentences, but also to dismiss the case, but this is already a decision of the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan, Aitkulov clarified.

The Constitutional Court has previously refused to consider petitions twice, but this time, the application was accepted for proceedings, the lawyer added.

In 2010, Kurmanbek Bakiyev was overthrown during the revolution and fled the country.

Nursultan Nazarbayev persuaded his then-counterpart to fly by helicopter from Bishkek to Taraz. 

Bakiyev later received political asylum in Belarus.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina