Bishkek Mayor Explains Appeals on Ex-Deputy's Case

Bishkek Mayor Aybek Dzhunushaliev has clarified the city hall's actions in appealing to the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) concerning former city council deputy Zhanybek Asanbekov. The mayor's office initiated these appeals to obtain a legal assessment of Asanbekov's conduct, emphasizing that their actions were lawful and did not constitute interference in the deputy's duties.

Dzhunushaliev explained that the appeals were prompted by concerns over the potential dissemination of information obtained during official duties before a relevant commission completed its work. He stressed that the mayor's office respects the authority of representative bodies and only seeks legal evaluation when potential legislative violations occur.

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We indeed appealed to the CEC, the MVD, and also to the city council. This was done to give a legal assessment of the deputy's actions.

Adding to the situation, Dzhunushaliev noted that Asanbekov had reportedly submitted his resignation voluntarily. However, the former deputy has since filed a lawsuit with the Bishkek Administrative Court and the CEC, seeking to reclaim his seat. Asanbekov asserts his resignation statement was made under significant emotional duress and was subsequently retracted. He argues that the CEC disregarded his withdrawal and approved his resignation without hearing his side, thereby violating his rights.

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The commission should have invited me and listened to my position. My statement of withdrawal was effectively ignored, and the decision was approved without my participation.