Kyrgyz Ex-Security Chief Tashiev Indicted for Coup Plot in Classified Case

Kamchybek Tashiev, the former head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security, has been formally indicted on charges of plotting a coup and abuse of office. His lawyer, Ikramidin Aitkulov, announced that the Prosecutor-General’s Office approved the indictment and transferred the case to the Pervomaisky District Court in Bishkek. The proceedings have been classified, meaning all court hearings will be closed to the public and information disclosure is prohibited. Seven other unnamed defendants are involved in the case. Tashiev, who acknowledged the investigation in late April, has urged his supporters to remain calm and expressed confidence in his eventual acquittal, citing President Sadyr Japarov’s efforts to establish a fair judicial system. This stance contrasts with the recent treatment of Kempir-Abad dissenters, who faced similar charges but were acquitted in June 2024 after prolonged detention. Notably, Tashiev has not been taken into custody despite the severity of the accusations, suggesting a distinct handling by the government compared to previous cases involving alleged power seizures. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions and questions regarding judicial consistency in Kyrgyzstan.