Photo provided by the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This image shows Urmat Baryktabasov
Earlier, law enforcement agencies reported that the activities of a destructive group preparing mass riots after the elections to the Jogorku Kenesh had been thwarted. The investigation suggests that the group included political figures, former deputies, former civil servants, and security personnel who attracted supporters, including organized criminal groups and sports associations, for provocations and clashes.
“The participants planned to hold a series of rallies across the country immediately after the election results were announced, starting from the southern regions, then in Bishkek and other areas, creating the illusion of mass discontent. Their intentions included unconstitutional calls and a possible seizure of administrative buildings, television channels, security facilities, as well as weapons and institutions of the penitentiary system,” the statement said.
The press release mentions only the initials of those detained and summoned for questioning. However, many recognized Urmat Baryktabasov from the published photographs. It is noted on social media that he has changed his surname to Urmat Askarov.
It is worth recalling that the articles "Attempted violent seizure of power" and "Public calls for the overthrow of the constitutional order" were introduced into the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan in 1997.
The first to be charged under these serious articles was the leader of the political party "Meken Tuu," Urmat Baryktabasov.
On August 5, 2010, he led a protest march in Bishkek, during which clashes with the police occurred. That same evening, Baryktabasov and four other participants in the action, who were found with weapons, were detained. In 2011, he was sentenced to four years in prison for organizing and participating in the storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, but was acquitted of the charge of attempting to violently seize power.
Baryktabasov also attempted to seize the "White House" in 2005. On June 17 of that year, his supporters broke through the police cordon and entered the building; however, Urmat Baryktabasov managed to evade justice and flee to the UAE. He was charged in absentia with organizing mass riots, but the charge of attempting to overthrow the government was not brought against him.
