Kyrgyzstan's former president charged with murder

Almazbek Atambayev

BISHKEK, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- A number of criminal cases were initiated against the associates of former President Almazbek Atambayev and himself, Prosecutor General of Kyrgyzstan Otkurbek Dzhamshitov told reporters here on Tuesday.

He said that the former president is charged with murder of a soldier of special forces, using force against law enforcement officers, organizing mass unrest and hostage-taking.

Atambayev is also suspected of illicit trafficking of weapons and ammunition, Dzhamshitov said.

Besides, head of the State Committee for National Security Orozbek Opumbayev said earlier that Atambayev was seeking to overthrow the government of the country.

"His intention was a state coup. I say that officially," he said.

Atambayev was detained last week after strong resistance by his supporters in the village of Koi-Tash near Bishkek.

Atambayev, who served as president from 2011 to 2017, was stripped of his immunity from prosecution in June in the wake of corruption allegations.

Atambayev will be held in a pre-trial detention facility until Aug. 26.