Verdict Against Ousted Kyrgyz President Being Delivered

Kyrgyz court has begun announcing verdicts against 28 former Kyrgyz officials -- including fugitive former President Kurmanbek Bakiev and his close relatives -- for involvement in the killing of protesters during the uprising against his rule four years ago.

Biskek court judge Damir Onolbekov said on July 21 that the process could take several days.

The defendants are accused of either having fired upon or given the command to open fire on unarmed protesters in Bishkek during antigovernment protests in April 2010 that led to Bakiev's ouster.

Nearly 100 people were killed and some 400 wounded in the clashes near the main government building.

The trial started in November 2011.

Bakiev and several other defendants -- many close relatives -- are being tried in absentia.

Bakiev, who is living in Belarus, and several relatives have already been given lengthy prison terms in absentia in other unrelated cases.