Kyrgyzstan Asks Russia To Extradite Akaev's Son

Former Kyrgyz President Akaev lives in Moscow (file photo) (official site) 27 December 2005 -- Kyrgyzstan's top prosecutor says he has asked Russia to extradite former President Askar Akaev's son Aidar on criminal charges.

Speaking today in Bishkek, Chief Prosecutor Kambaraly Kongantiyev said that Aidar Akaev is in Russia and must be arrested.


In March, Aidar fled Kyrgyzstan with his family during an uprising that overthrew his father. Kyrgyz authorities accuse him of extortion and money laundering. He and his family say the charges are politically motivated.


Aidar Akaev is a member of parliament, but Kyrgyz authorities have taken away his parliamentary immunity, leaving him open to prosecution.


Kongantiyev today also said that Kyrgyzstan's former defense minister, Esen Topoyev, is wanted as well on corruption charges.


(Interfax/AP)