Former high-ranking officials — Kamchybek Tashiyev, Kurmankul Zulushev and Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu — were questioned at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic (MIA KR). The interrogations are linked to the investigation into a case of mass unrest and actions which the investigation considers an attempted coup d'état.
WHO IS BEING QUESTIONED AND IN CONNECTION WITH WHICH CASE
According to the publication 24.kg citing lawyer Sherdor Abdykaparov, all three were summoned as part of a criminal case in which other figures had previously been charged. This concerns serious articles related to organising mass unrest.
According to sources in the security forces, the questioning took place at the Main Investigative Department of the MIA KR and lasted several hours. After the investigative actions were completed, the individuals left the department's building.
Official bodies have not disclosed the details of the charges brought or the progress of the investigation.
CONNECTION WITH THE 'LETTER OF 75'
According to information from sources, the investigation is linked to the so-called 'letter of 75'. It was previously reported that a group of 75 people sent an appeal to Sadyr Japarov calling for early presidential elections.
This was followed by personnel decisions:
- Kamchybek Tashiyev was dismissed from his post as head of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) and deputy chairman of the cabinet of ministers;
- a reorganisation of the SCNS was carried out;
- a number of officials lost their posts;
- Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu resigned as chairman of the Supreme Council;
- Kurmankul Zulushev surrendered his parliamentary mandate.
Later, a criminal case was opened in connection with the appeal. Some of the signatories to the letter were placed in a pre-trial detention centre (SIZO). According to the investigation, they are charged with organising mass unrest.
POSITION OF THE AUTHORITIES
President Sadyr Japarov previously stated that Kamchybek Tashiyev denied meeting with the authors of the appeal. At the same time, the head of state emphasised that Tashiyev would not be reappointed to any state positions.
The Constitutional Court additionally clarified that the presidential elections must take place within the established timeframe — in January 2027.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The situation is developing against the backdrop of other criminal cases related to the circle of former officials. Earlier in Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Tashiyev's brother — former parliament deputy Shairbek Tashiyev — was detained.
According to the MIA KR, he is suspected of corruption in a case related to OJSC 'Kyrgyzneftegaz'. The basis for this was materials from the tax authorities and the results of an audit.