Bishkek City Court to rule on 'letter of 75' case September 10

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Bishkek City Court is set to deliver its verdict on September 10 in the case of alleged preparation for violent seizure of power, known as the 'letter of 75'. The court will first hear closing arguments from three defendants: former State Committee for National Security chairman Kamchybek Tashiev, ex-MP Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev, and former ambassador Emil Uzakbaev. The hearing is closed to the public.
Key Facts
- The Bishkek City Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 10 in the 'letter of 75' case involving alleged preparation for violent seizure of power.
- Three defendants — Kamchybek Tashiev, Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev, and Emil Uzakbaev — will present closing arguments before the verdict.
- Former deputy interior minister Kursan Asanov, a signatory of the letter, stated before the hearing that he believes the defendants' actions contained no crime.
- The Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek previously sentenced eight defendants, including Tashiev and former prosecutor general Kurmankul Zulushev, to four years of imprisonment with three years of probation.
- The case originated from a letter signed by 75 people calling for early presidential elections, which was submitted to parliament.
Verdict and Closing Arguments
The Bishkek City Court is expected to deliver its verdict on September 10 in the case concerning preparation for violent seizure of power, known as the 'letter of 75'. Before the verdict, the court will hear closing arguments from three defendants: former State Committee for National Security chairman Kamchybek Tashiev, ex-MP Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev, and former ambassador Emil Uzakbaev. After the arguments, the participants will be given the last word. The hearing is being held in closed session, so details of the proceedings cannot be disclosed.
Defendant's Pre-Hearing Statement
Before the start of today's session, Kursan Asanov, a former deputy interior minister and one of the case's figures, told journalists that in his opinion the defendants' actions did not constitute a crime. Asanov stated, 'There were no illegal actions in our conduct. I can say this with full confidence. There is not a single letter of crime in our actions.' He added that the defendants are awaiting the court's decision and count on the observance of legality.
Case Background
The Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek previously sentenced eight defendants, including Kamchybek Tashiev, former prosecutor general Kurmankul Zulushev, and former parliament speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, to four years of imprisonment with three years of probation. Both the prosecution and the defense later filed appeals with the Bishkek City Court. The prosecution had earlier demanded nine years of imprisonment for all defendants. The case was triggered by a letter signed by 75 people that called for early presidential elections and was submitted to parliament. After the letter, dozens of officials lost their positions, and several members of the Jogorku Kenesh voluntarily resigned their mandates.