Atambayev Sentenced: 11.5 Years for Corruption and Land Grabbing

Former Kyrgyz President Atambayev Sentenced to 11.5 Years in Prison. A Bishkek court delivered a verdict on June 3, 2025, sentencing Almazbek Atambayev, the former president of Kyrgyzstan, to 11.5 years imprisonment. The charges against Atambayev were extensive, encompassing accusations of illegal land acquisition in the Koi-Tash village, corruption during the modernization of the Bishkek thermal power plant, and organizing mass civil unrest during the 2019 Koi-Tash events. "The court found Atambayev guilty on all counts," stated a court official in a press release. The ruling includes the forfeiture of all Atambayev's state awards and the confiscation of his assets. Adding to the complexity of the situation, Atambayev is currently residing outside of Kyrgyzstan. The sentence marks a significant development in Kyrgyz politics and raises questions about the future of the country's political landscape. The court's decision has been met with mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing political divisions within Kyrgyzstan. The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government and the ongoing efforts to address corruption.