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Justice Kurmanbek Bakiyev Former President

Kyrgyzstan’s Ex-President Kurmanbek Bakiyev May Return to the Country

Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the former president of Kyrgyzstan currently living in exile in Belarus, is seeking a review of his convictions handed down in absentia. His lawyer, Ikramidin Aitkulov, recently told local media that Bakiyev wishes to challenge the court’s decisions and possibly return to Kyrgyzstan to participate in legal proceedings personally. According to Aitkulov, Kyrgyzstan’s Criminal Procedure Code does not provide clear regulation for trials conducted in absentia. This legal ambiguity, he argues, results in inconsistent interpretations and infringes upon a citizen’s right to a fair trial. He has appealed to the Constitutional Court to examine the relevant provisions of the procedural code. Aitkulov emphasized that, although thousands of individuals are currently wanted by Kyrgyz authorities, relatively few are actually tried in absentia, making Bakiyev’s case unusual. Background of Bakiyev's Convictions In 2016, Kurmanbek Bakiyev was sentenced to 30 years in prison for complicity in the mass killings of April 7, 2010, when security forces opened fire on protesters in central Bishkek. His brother, Jenish Bakiyev, then head of the State Guard Service, was also found guilty in connection with the events. In 2023, Bakiyev received an additional 10-year sentence for corruption related to the Kumtor gold mining enterprise. According to his lawyer, if these two convictions are overturned, Bakiyev could return to Kyrgyzstan and be physically present for any retrial. “We need to file for a review of the cases in the Supreme Court. If the decisions taken in absentia are canceled, then he (Kurmanbek Bakiyev) will personally participate in the consideration of his case in the second court instance,” Aitkulov said. Constitutional Court Responds In response to Aitkulov’s appeal, the Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan stated that trying Bakiyev in absentia was legally permissible, given that he had deliberately evaded justice by fleeing the country. Attempts by Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies to extradite him had failed. “The conduct of court proceedings in absentia is not an arbitrary aspect of the criminal process, but rather an exceptional measure to safeguard public interest and ensure the inevitability of punishment,” the Constitutional Court stated. However, the court also clarified that any individual convicted in absentia has the right to a case review upon return to Kyrgyzstan, provided they are physically present during the proceedings. If Bakiyev voluntarily returns, he would still be detained but granted the opportunity to appeal his convictions.

Justice Rome Statute Rumors Ratification

Kazakhstan Denies Rumors About Ratification of the Rome Statute

Kazakhstan’s General Prosecutor's Office has denied rumors that the country intends to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Kazinform reports. Speculation about a possible ratification circulated on Kazakhstani Telegram channels earlier this week. However, in response to an official inquiry, the General Prosecutor's Office stated that “no work on ratification of the said international document is underway.” The Rome Statute, adopted on July 17, 1998, is an international treaty that establishes the legal framework, jurisdiction, and operational structure of the ICC. The ICC, founded in 2002 under the Rome Statute, is the first permanent international judicial body dedicated to prosecuting individuals responsible for the most serious crimes affecting global peace and security.

Opposition Justice Court Cases Local politics

Tajikistan’s Supreme Court Breaks Silence on Alleged Coup Case

For the first time, Tajikistan’s Supreme Court has publicly commented on a high-profile case involving leading politicians accused of high treason and attempting to seize power by force. Shavkat Lutfullozoda, first deputy chairman of the Supreme Court, told a press conference on February 13 that “the case materials contain circumstances indicating that their actions were directly aimed at high treason and the violent seizure of power.” However, he declined to disclose further details, citing the closed nature of the trial. The proceedings were held behind closed doors, but Lutfullozoda stated that they took place “with the participation of the judge and people's assessors.” The following individuals were convicted and sentenced on February 5, 2025, at the Dushanbe Detention Center. The verdicts take effect on February 15: Hamrohon Zarifi, former foreign minister: 27 years in prison and a 10,000 somoni fine on five counts, including high treason and the forcible seizure of power. Saidjafar Usmonzoda, former head of the Democratic Party: 27 years for high treason and inciting discord. Jamshed Boboyev, retired GKNB colonel: 21 years for high treason and forcible seizure of power. Akhmadshokh Komilzoda, former deputy chairman of the Democratic Party: 19 years for attempted violent seizure of power. Akbarshokh Iskandarov, former head of the Supreme Soviet: 18 years on similar charges. Shokirjon Khakimov, lawyer and first deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party: 18 years for inciting discord and high treason. Nurahmad Ganizoda, retired GKNB colonel: 18 years for violent seizure of power. Abdulfayiz Atoi, former head of the Foreign Ministry’s press service: 17 years for forcible seizure of power and document forgery. Rukhshona Khakimova, journalist: 8 years for complicity in state treason. Mass arrests began in June 2024, following the detention of Saidjafar Usmonzoda. Authorities soon arrested Zarifi, Iskandarov, Komilzoda, Khakimov, Atoi, Ganizoda, and Boboyev. Prosecutor General Yusuf Rakhmon stated that most of the detainees were linked to Usmonzoda’s case. Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova initially remained at large due to having a young child. However, she was arrested after the verdict was handed down. The first court hearing took place on November 14, 2024, and the trial lasted more than six months, held behind closed doors at a pre-trial detention center.

Corruption Switzerland Justice Corruption Allegations

Switzerland to Return $182 Million in Confiscated Gulnara Karimova Assets to Uzbekistan

On February 6, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Justice, Akbar Tashkulov, and Switzerland’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Konstantin Obolensky, signed an agreement on the repatriation of confiscated assets, the Uzbek Ministry of Justice reported. Under the agreement, approximately $182 million will be returned to Uzbekistan. These funds were illegally obtained by certain Uzbek citizens and were fully confiscated in 2012 by the Swiss Prosecutor General’s Office as part of criminal proceedings against Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of former President Islam Karimov. The money will be transferred through the United Nations Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund Multi-Partner Trust Fund. This is not the first such agreement. In August 2022, Uzbekistan and Switzerland signed a similar agreement in Bern, outlining principles and mechanisms for returning illegally acquired assets. That agreement confirmed that the returned funds would be used for the benefit of Uzbekistan’s population through the UN trust fund. Under the 2022 agreement, Uzbekistan was set to receive around $131 million. With this latest deal, the total amount of repatriated funds will now reach $313 million. The Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund will allocate these funds to socially significant projects, particularly in healthcare and education.

Justice Media Freedom Human rights Mass Media

Sentencing of Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova Draws Outrage in Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s Supreme Court has convicted journalist Rukhshona Khakimova of high treason and sentenced her to eight years in prison. Her lawyer criticized the ruling, noting that the court failed to take into account her status as a mother. Meanwhile, Tajikistan’s journalistic community has condemned the sentence as "excessively harsh" and "shocking." Khakimova’s relatives plan to appeal the verdict. The court’s decision was announced on February 5 during a closed hearing held at the Dushanbe detention center, alongside other verdicts in the “coup d’état case." Khakimova is the niece of Shokirjon Khakimov, the first deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Khakimova was first charged seven months ago but was allowed to remain free due to her responsibilities as a mother of two young children. However, her documents were confiscated, preventing her from leaving her place of residence. Following the verdict, she was immediately taken into custody inside the courtroom. Tajikistan’s journalistic community has raised serious concerns about the fairness of the trial, particularly due to the lack of transparency surrounding the case. The authorities have refused to comment, citing state secrecy. Khakimova’s prosecution is believed to be linked to her investigation into China’s influence in Tajikistan. As part of her research, she reportedly interviewed several defendants in the coup case, including former MP Saidjafar Usmonzoda, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison. The prosecution had initially sought a 17-year prison sentence for Khakimova, but the court reduced it to eight years under Article 63 of the Criminal Code. However, lawyer Turob Dilayev noted that the court failed to consider the legal provision allowing for sentence postponement for women with young children. As a result, Khakimova’s two children — a two-year-old and a nine-month-old — have been placed in the care of relatives. The court also seized the family's savings, originally intended for buying a home. The National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan has strongly criticized the ruling. Its head, Nuriddin Karshiboyev, stated that journalists had hoped for justice but were left “shocked” by the harsh sentence. Khurshed Atovullo, director of the Centre for Journalist Studies of Tajikistan, called the ruling excessive, arguing that conducting a survey should not be grounds for criminal prosecution. Gulnora Amirshoeva, head of the Coalition of Women Journalists of Tajikistan, expressed outrage, particularly over Khakimova’s separation from her children. She voiced hope that the case would be reviewed and that the execution of the sentence would be suspended. International human rights organizations have also condemned the verdict. Siynat Sultonalieva, Human Rights Watch’s representative for Central Asia, stated that Tajikistan continues to persecute journalists and human rights defenders. She noted that Khakimova is the ninth journalist to receive a long-term sentence and called on authorities to end the pressure on the press.

Justice Arrest Supreme Court Coup attempt

Tajikistan Sentences Defendants in Alleged Coup Attempt Case

Tajikistan's Supreme Court handed down sentences on February 5 in a high-profile coup attempt case, convicting former high-ranking officials, politicians, and journalists. Among those sentenced are a former foreign minister, a former chairman of the Supreme Soviet, and retired security officials. Sentences and Key Defendants Former Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi received a 27-year prison sentence. Shokirjon Khakimov, the first deputy leader of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan, and Ahmadshokh Komilzoda, former deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, were each sentenced to 18 years. Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova, the niece of Khakimov, was sentenced to eight years on charges of treason. However, details of the charges against her remain undisclosed, as the case is classified. The trial was conducted behind closed doors at a pre-trial detention center. Lack of Transparency and Denials by Defendants Authorities have not disclosed details of the trial, citing national security concerns. Relatives of the defendants were barred from attending, and defense lawyers have refrained from commenting due to non-disclosure agreements. According to sources, many of the convicted individuals denied the charges during their final statements. In particular, Akbarsho Iskandarov and Ahmadshokh Komilzoda argued that the verdicts were issued without sufficient evidence. The trial began on November 14, 2024, following a wave of arrests that started in mid-2024 with the detention of Saidjafar Usmonzod. The defendants have consistently pleaded not guilty, and in December 2024, they formally rejected charges of treason and attempted seizure of power.