Kyrgyz Parliament Panel To Probe Government Graft Allegations

Former Kyrgyz acting Prosecutor-General Kubatbek Baibolov, whose claims of corruption have prompted a parliamentary investigation.

BISHKEK -- The Kyrgyz parliament has set up a special commission to investigate allegations of government corruption that have shaken the coalition, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

The panel established on April 14 will look into claims by former acting Prosecutor-General Kubatbek Baibolov, who said earlier this month he had evidence First Deputy Premier Omurbek Babanov was involved in corrupt financial activity.

On April 13, Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev accepted Babanov's temporary resignation until the commission clears him of wrongdoing.

Baibolov made his allegations in parliament on April 1, the day after he was sacked by President Roza Otunbaeva.

Baibolov’s statement sparked tensions within the coalition government, including a scuffle in parliament between two deputies from different coalition parties.

Baibolov testified to the parliament's Anti-Corruption Committee and State Budget Committee on April 14, giving details of alleged illegal money transfers from the National Bank.

The commission handling the probe comprises two representatives from each parliament faction.

Read more in Kyrgyz here