Kyrgyzstan ex-Prez accused of coup plot

Bishkek, August 13 

Kyrgyzstan’s ex-President Almazbek Atambayev was plotting to overthrow the government before he was detained in raids on his compound, the country’s security services said on Tuesday.

Last week’s arrest of Atambayev, who was President from 2011 to 2017, has raised fears of new political turmoil in the Central Asian nation.

He was detained in a massive security operation on Thursday after an attempt to arrest him the day before sparked clashes between his supporters and law enforcement.

“He wanted bloodshed. His intention was a state coup,” Orozbek Opumbayev, the head of the national security services (GKNB), said.

The head of the state prosecutor’s investigations department said Atambayev would also be investigated for organising attempted murder, after he and his supporters took up arms during the clashes with law enforcement.

“Atambayev is suspected of using violence against government officials, organising riots, and organising attempted murders,” Zamir Beishekeev said. Kyrgyzstan, which has seen two revolutions in less than two decades, is caught in a standoff between Atambayev and his protege-turned-foe President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. — AFP