The retrial of Kyrgyzstan’s former president Almazbek Atambayev is underway, with the case receiving renewed attention after a court order to reexamine the allegations that led to an 11-year prison sentence. The decision to reopen the case was reported by TASS, citing a source within the Supreme Court of the Republic. The Supreme Court is slated to review the matter following a petition from Atambayev’s defense team, which argues for reevaluation of the evidence and charges.
Almazbek Atambayev led Kyrgyzstan from 2011 until 2017. In 2019, his presidential immunity was lifted, and he was taken into custody in connection with a corruption investigation. A year later, demonstrations in Bishkek prompted a brief release at the request of protesters, but authorities detained him again days later. The charges at that time included organizing mass protests in the capital and other related offenses tied to the political turmoil surrounding his administration.
Reports from last year indicated a development in the case, with indications that acquittal might be possible regarding riot-related charges and an attempted power seizure in 2020. The situation has continued to evolve as legal proceedings resume and arguments from both sides are presented in court.
There have been ongoing statements from the prison administration regarding medical treatment for Atambayev, including requests for permission to receive care abroad in Moscow. These exchanges have drawn attention to the broader health needs of political detainees and the protocols governing access to medical treatment while in custody. [Source attribution: TASS, citing the Supreme Court of the Republic]