Kyrgyz Official Wants Case Against His Son Reopened

Bishkek Mayor Isa Omurkulov

BISHKEK -- Bishkek Mayor Isa Omurkulov has demanded that a case of vehicular manslaughter against his son be reopened after it was closed last week, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Omurkulov told journalists in Bishkek on November 28 that his son should receive the punishment due if his guilt is proven or the case closed only if he is innocent.

He wants a new investigation in order "to put an end to all the rumors" generated by the case and its closure.

Azamat Omurkulov, 29, was driving an SUV that collided with a car near the Dunlarov Bridge near the northern town of Tokmok on the highway from Bishkek to the resort region Issyk-Kul in mid-August.

The driver of the car and two young passengers were killed in the crash. Azamat Omurkulov was injured.

Isa Omurkulov told RFE/RL at the time that if his son is guilty "he will be accountable in front of almighty God and the law."

Investigators say Azamat Omurkulov caused the accident. He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter as a result of violating traffic regulations.

On November 24, a court in Tokmok ruled that the case be closed at the request of the relatives of three victims who said they have forgiven the defendant.

Isa Omurkulov is a member of President-elect Almazbek Atambaev's Social Democratic Party. He was elected mayor by the city council in February.

Read more in Kyrgyz here