The political scientist commented on Alexander Lukashenko's words at the CSTO summit
During the CSTO summit, Alexander Lukashenko stated that he does not intend to extradite Kurmanbek Bakiev to Kyrgyzstan, but noted that the former president "suffers and misses" his homeland, and expressed a desire to visit his father's grave. Lukashenko intends to discuss this issue with the Kyrgyz authorities.
Political scientist Almaz Tazhibay explained why the topic of Bakiev's return has become relevant again.
“It is worth recalling the statements of President Sadyr Japarov and the head of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev. They claimed that if Bakiev returns, he will be immediately detained at the border by court order. For a different outcome, the Supreme Court needs to review his case. Also, negative memories of the former president's rule are still alive among part of the population. Thus, at the moment, the conditions for his return without arrest are absent,” Tazhibay noted.
He added that this issue is raised annually.
“Discussions occur both on social media and in the mass media. This has become a regular topic, and ultimately may lead to certain results. But most people have unpleasant memories of those times. This includes not only the events of April 2010 in Ala-Too Square in Bishkek but also other incidents that occurred during his presidency. One court decision is clearly not enough,” emphasized Almaz Tazhibay.
For reference, Kurmanbek Bakiev was overthrown as a result of the revolution on April 7, 2010. After mass protests and clashes in Bishkek, which resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people, he left the country. Since then, starting in 2010, Bakiev has been living in Belarus, where he has been granted political asylum.
Criminal cases have been initiated against him in his homeland. In 2014, he was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for shooting at demonstrators. In 2023, he was additionally sentenced to 10 years for corruption related to the Kumtor gold mine. In total, he faces 30 years in prison with asset confiscation.
The Kyrgyz General Prosecutor's Office has repeatedly made requests for Bakiev's extradition, but the Belarusian authorities have refused. In April 2025, the Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan allowed for the review of criminal cases against Bakiev with his personal participation.
President Sadyr Japarov had previously expressed his willingness to organize an open trial for Bakiev in the event of his return, to investigate cases related to the export of gold from the country and the events of April 2010.
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