Kyrgyzstan's Ex-Deputy Parliament Speaker 'Beaten, Robbed'

Tairbek Sarpashev is a former deputy parliament speaker.

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's former deputy parliament speaker says he was beaten and robbed in his apartment in Bishkek, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Taiyrbek Sarpashev told RFE/RL that on September 30 several masked men entered his apartment, tied him up, and beat him. His wife and two young children were locked in another room.

The assailants took jewelry, money, and a pistol of Sarpashev's that was awarded to him by the parliament. Bishkek's Lenin district police are investigating the incident.

Sarpashev, 42, told RFE/RL there are several possible motives for the incident but refused to elaborate on them.

He served as deputy parliament speaker from 2006-07.