Kyrgyz ex-president Atambayev charged with corruption

VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO / AFP

Kyrgyzstan's security forces have arrested former President Almazbek Atambayev after they stormed his country home outside the capital Bishkek on Friday.

According to his lawyer, Atambayev has been charged with corruption over his alleged role in the release of a convicted criminal.

Kyrgyzstan's interior ministry said it believed Atambayev had ordered the release of Aziz Batukayev, cutting short his 16-year jail term citing terminal cancer.

Batukayev had then moved to Russia and there had been no reports of his death from any illness six years on.

Atambayev, who claims all charges against him were politically motivated, had helped then-ally Jeenbekov win the 2017 presidential election.

But a few months later, the two fell out and Jeyenbekov removed Atambayev loyalists from positions of power.

More from International news

News

  • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives resumes food aid to Gaza

    In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has announced the resumption of food aid deliveries worth AED43 million to the Gaza Strip,

  • DoH launches Future Health Initiative

    Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi (Future Health) has been launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

  • Salik to apply peak-hour toll rates for Dubai Ride

    Toll gate operator Salik said it will charge peak-hour fees on Sunday, November 2, as the Dubai Fitness Challenge's first flagship event - Dubai Ride - gets underway.