Kyrgyz President Confirms Life Sentences for Bakiyevs Amid Ongoing Negotiations

President Sadyr Japarov affirmed that Maxim and Zhanysh Bakiyevs face life imprisonment if they return to Kyrgyzstan, countering rumors of Maxim’s return. Japarov discussed negotiations for the potential repatriation of Kurmanbek Bakiyev and Sapar Isakov, emphasizing the state’s focus on recovering stolen funds and holding accountable those involved in past financial misconduct.
Recent claims suggest that Maxim Bakiyev, son of former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, has allegedly returned to Bishkek via private jet, provoking considerable public discourse. Despite the State Committee for National Security’s official denial of these reports, speculation persists among the populace.
In an interview with Kabar news agency, President Sadyr Japarov addressed these developments, stating, “Maxim and Zhanysh Bakiyevs were sentenced to life imprisonment. If they return, they will immediately go to prison.” He emphasized that the court’s verdict is irreversible, hence extradition requests are firmly rejected due to legal compliance.
Furthermore, President Japarov discussed ongoing negotiations regarding the return of former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. He noted, “We are told: ‘If you don’t imprison him, we are ready to hand him over.’” This approach applies similarly to former Prime Minister Sapar Isakov, where discussions about their potential return involve interrogation surrounding financial misconduct.
The President expressed the intent to recover stolen state funds, acknowledging that billions have already been reclaimed. He referred specifically to the sums stored in safe deposit boxes and the illicit gold concentrate from Maxim Bakiyev’s office, with hopes that cooperation could finally resolve long-standing issues.
Concluding his remarks, Japarov referred to misinformation regarding his negotiations, suggesting that rumors about Maxim’s potential return may stem from these discussions. He stated, “How good it would be if he really came! We would put him in jail, and the billions would return to the budget.”
In summary, the recent rumors regarding Maxim Bakiyev’s potential return to Kyrgyzstan have been firmly addressed by President Sadyr Japarov, who reiterated that both Bakiyevs face life imprisonment if they return. The ongoing negotiations to repatriate former officials focus on accountability for past financial crimes, with the intention of recovering stolen assets. Ultimately, misinformation surrounding these discussions continues to fuel public debate, highlighting the complexities of the issues at hand.
Original Source: 24.kg