Kyrgyz President Affirms Bakiyevs Will Face Prison if They Return

Recent claims of Maxim Bakiyev’s return to Bishkek have been denied by the SCNS. President Sadyr Japarov confirmed the Bakiyevs’ life sentences and cautioned that their return would result in immediate imprisonment. Negotiations are ongoing regarding the potential return of Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Sapar Isakov, with a focus on retrieving state funds linked to their alleged misconduct.

Recent speculation suggests that Maxim Bakiyev, the son of former Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, may have arrived in Bishkek via private jet, igniting intense public discourse. However, the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) has formally denied these claims, yet conversations about the potential implications continue to unfold in society.

President Sadyr Japarov addressed this issue in an interview with Kabar news agency, stating, “Maxim and Zhanysh Bakiyevs were sentenced to life imprisonment. If they return, they will immediately go to prison. The court’s verdict is final and cannot be changed or reconsidered.” He emphasized that their potential extradition was strictly rejected due to these sentences.

The President also touched upon ongoing negotiations regarding Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s possible return. He remarked on offers being made: “We are told: ‘If you don’t imprison him, we are ready to hand him over.’” Japarov mentioned similar propositions involving Sapar Isakov, noting the possibility of bringing these individuals back for questioning.

He further elaborated on the importance of clarifying financial discrepancies related to significant state issues, such as the Bishkek Heating and Power Plant and stolen gold concentrate, implying that the return of these individuals could facilitate the retrieval of lost state funds. He stated, “Returning stolen funds to the state budget is the job of law enforcement agencies — and we’ve already recovered billions this way.”

Japarov remarked on the public’s long-standing demand for accountability, saying, “The people have been demanding for 15 years: ‘Why can’t you deliver them from Moscow or Minsk?’” His final assertion suggested that misinformation surrounding his statements likely spurred rumors about Maxim Bakiyev’s arrival. He concluded, “How good it would be if he really came! We would put him in jail, and the billions would return to the budget.”

In conclusion, the statement by President Sadyr Japarov underlines the unyielding legal standing against Maxim and Zhanysh Bakiyev, marking their return as a direct path to incarceration due to their life sentences. Additionally, ongoing negotiations regarding the return of Kurmanbek Bakiyev point to political complexities compounded by the potential recovery of misappropriated funds. The President’s emphasis on accountability reflects both public sentiment and governmental intentions in addressing longstanding issues.

Original Source: 24.kg