Almost 100 criminal cases launched against first Kyrgyz president

At least 98 criminal cases have been launched against the first president of Kyrgyzstan, Askar Akaev, since 2005, Kyrgyzstan’s Prosecutor General, Elmurza Satubaldiev told reporters in Bishkek Wednesday.

Eighteen cases out of the 98 are currently suspended. “It should be noted, that Askar Akaev’s immunity is still in force and he will be on a safe side if ever comes back to Kyrgyzstan. Now it is up to him to come back or not,” Satubaldiev said.

Askar Akaev, unlike his oldest son Aidar, might be attracted to court only as a witness. Kyrgyzstan has sent several vain requests to the Russian Prosecutor’s Office about extradition of the latter.