Bakiyev charged with mass killings

• 27.04.2010, 12:35

The ousted president of Kyrgyzstan has been charged in absentia over two criminal articles.

He is accused of organizing mass killings and abuse of power. So, there are grounds for his extradition. According to BelaPAN, it was said by Azimbek Beknazarov, deputy head of the Kyrgyz interim government in charge of security.

“He faces charges over two articles – killing of two and more persons and abuse of power. There are grounds for his extradition,” RIA Novosti quotes Beknazarov.

He also said the interim government of Kyrgyzstan adopted a decree on April 26 stripping Bakiyev of his authority and presidential immunity.

A criminal case against Bakiyev has been opened in connection with murders of people during an opposition demonstration in Bishkek on April 7. Above 80 people were killed during storming the White House.

On April 16, Bakiyev fled to Kazakhstan. Following the negotiations between the US, Russia, and Kazakhstan, Bakiyev signed his resignation.

On April 20, presenting an annual address to the Belarusian people and the “national assembly”, Alyaksandr Lukashenka said Bakiyev was in Minsk. The deposed president said next day in CIS headquarters that he denied his resignation.

“Nine months ago, the people of Kyrgyzstan elected me president and I swore to serve them. There is no power that can stop me. Only death can stop me,” Bakiyev said.