Deposed Kyrgyz President Leaves Country
April 16, 2010
By: Benjamin Russell

Former Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev fled Kyrgyzstan, Thursday, ending a standoff between his supporters and the interim government that deposed him, according toReuters.

Bakiyev vowed to regain control of the country after being forced from office by a series of violent protests that left 84 dead and hundreds wounded.  The former president’s position softened, however, amid building pressure both within the country and from the international community.  Bakiyev suggested he would be willing to leave Kyrgyzstan if the interim government could guarantee his family’s security, including his own.

Interim president Roza Otunbayeva said she would guarantee Bakiyev the protection he was due under the constitution, but was unwilling to make further guarantees for his relatives, many of whom face charges of corruption, according to the New York Times.

Bakiyev was deposed amid widespread allegations of corruption and nepotism.  Several of his relatives and political allies have been detained by the interim government.  Though Bakiyev is now seeking refuge in Kazakhstan, he may still face charges for his role in the violence that marked his exit from office.

"The interim government... intends to carry out an objective investigation of crimes of which the former president is guilty, and present a demand for him to be tried in Kyrgyz or international courts," Otunbayeva said.

The interim government pledged to run the country for 6 months in order to draft a constitution and hold elections, according to Reuters.

For previous news on Kyrgyzstan, please see:

Kyrgyz Opposition Assumes Control amid Upheaval

Protests Mark Run-Up to ‘Tulip Revolution’ Anniversary

Sources:

New York Times - Deposed Kyrgyz Leader Offers Deal to Step Down

New York Times – Kyrgyz President Leaves Country

Reuters – Kyrgyz President Bakiyev Flees, Ending Standoff

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