Rumors of Maxim Bakiyev’s return to Bishkek have sparked public debate, which the SCNS has officially denied. President Japarov declared that both Maxim and Zhanysh would face life imprisonment if they return, asserting the finitude of the court’s verdict. He also discussed potential negotiations regarding Kurmanbek Bakiyev, emphasizing the recovery of stolen assets.
Recent reports claim that Maxim Bakiyev, son of Kyrgyzstan’s former president, may have returned to Bishkek via a private jet, stirring considerable public debate. However, the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) has officially denied these claims. President Sadyr Japarov addressed these rumors in an interview, clearly stating the consequences awaiting both Maxim and his brother Zhanysh if they were to return to Kyrgyzstan.
During the interview, President Japarov confirmed, “Maxim and Zhanysh Bakiyevs were sentenced to life imprisonment. If they return, they will immediately go to prison.” He emphasized that the court’s verdict is final and that any chance of reprieve is non-existent. Consequently, their extradition has been firmly rejected by the authorities.
The president also shed light on negotiations involving Kurmanbek Bakiyev, indicating ongoing discussions about his potential return. Japarov noted that international stakeholders have implied that Kurmanbek’s return is contingent upon not imprisoning him. He highlighted the importance of interrogating Bakiyev regarding financial irregularities, particularly related to the Bishkek Heating and Power Plant and other corruption cases that have plagued the nation.
Additionally, during these discussions, the president mentioned the need to recover stolen assets. “We’ve already recovered billions this way,” he pointed out, emphasizing the role of law enforcement in retrieving funds hidden in safe deposit boxes, including gold concentrate allegedly taken from Maxim’s office.
President Japarov reflected on the public’s longstanding frustrations regarding the inability to bring the Bakiyevs back to face justice. He expressed that there is a demand for accountability, stating, “Why can’t you deliver them from Moscow or Minsk?” He speculated that the rumors of Maxim’s return may have arisen from these ongoing negotiations, concluding, “How good it would be if he really came! We would put him in jail, and the billions would return to the budget.”
In summary, the potential return of Maxim and Zhanysh Bakiyev to Kyrgyzstan raises significant legal and political implications. The Kyrgyz government has conclusively stated that the Bakiyevs would face immediate imprisonment upon their return due to their life sentences. Ongoing negotiations regarding Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s situation hint at a possible path toward addressing historical corruption and financial misconduct within the country, though the government remains firm on its legal decisions concerning the Bakiyevs.
Original Source: 24.kg
