Kyrgyz Officials In Belarus Again Seeking Bakiev Extradition

Former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev

BISHKEK -- A delegation from Kyrgyzstan's Prosecutor-General's Office and Interior Ministry are in Belarus for talks on the possible extradition of ousted former President Kurmanbek Bakiev and his associates.

Kyrgyz Interior Ministry spokesman Jorobai Abdraimov told RFE/RL on April 25 that about 50 people connected with Bakiev, including his younger brother Janysh Bakiev, are currently living in Belarus.

He said all are suspects in various crimes in Kyrgyzstan.

Bakiev fled Kyrgyzstan in April 2010 following mass antigovernment demonstrations in Bishkek that were violently attacked by security forces.

In February, a Bishkek court sentenced Bakiev in absentia to 24 years in prison after convicting him of involvement in a 2009 political assassination.

Janysh Bakiev received a life sentence in absentia in the same case.

The Kyrgyz Prosecutor-General's Office has repeatedly requested Bakiev's extradition, but Belarusian authorities have refused to take action.