Kyrgyz opposition leader detained ahead of presidential campaign
Kyrgyzstan`s state security service said it detained opposition politician Omurbek Tekebayev on Sunday on charges of corruption and fraud, a move that may eliminate him as a contender for presidency in the upcoming election.
Trending Photos
Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan`s state security service said it detained opposition politician Omurbek Tekebayev on Sunday on charges of corruption and fraud, a move that may eliminate him as a contender for presidency in the upcoming election.
The ex-Soviet Central Asian nation will hold a presidential election on Nov. 19.
The state security service said in a statement it had detained him at an airport upon arrival from Turkey.
In a separate statement, the prosecutor general`s office said it suspected Tekebayev of taking a $1 million bribe from a Russian investor in 2010.
Tekebayev, who was then a senior member of provisional government, promised the investor he would be able to take over a local telecommunications company, prosecutors said.
Kanybek Imanaliyev, a member of parliament who belongs to Tekebayev`s Ata Meken faction, said he denied any wrongdoing.
"He considers his detention... unwarranted and illegal and a continuation of political repressions," Imanaliyev said. "We planned to hold a party congress within a month and nominate him as candidate (for presidency)."
Atambayev cannot run for re-election under the Kyrgyz constitution, but his allies in parliament successfully pushed through a referendum on a package of amendments significantly boosting the powers of the prime minister.
This has prompted speculation Atambayev may either become a powerful cabinet head - although Atambayev denies having such plans - or install a loyal figure as prime minister in order to retain power in the mostly Muslim nation of 6 million.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.
Advertisement
Live Tv
Advertisement