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🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan /Elections & Politics

Former Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker cites firearms in parliament as resignation reason

From 24.kg · () Russian

Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Former Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Talant Mamytov cited the presence of firearms in the parliament as a reason for his resignation.
  • Mamytov stated that he raised the issue at the time of his departure, emphasizing its unacceptability.
  • He explained that the matter was not publicly addressed then due to the ongoing Batken events and the tense political situation.

Former Parliament Speaker Talant Mamytov has revealed that the introduction of firearms into the Kyrgyz parliament was a significant factor behind his resignation from the post. Mamytov stated that he had voiced his concerns about this issue at the time of his departure and reiterated them in a subsequent interview.

When I resigned as speaker, I stated that one of the main reasons was the bringing of firearms into parliament. I said then that this was wrong and unacceptable

— Talant MamytovExplaining his reasons for stepping down as Parliament Speaker.

"When I resigned as speaker, I stated that one of the main reasons was the bringing of firearms into parliament. I said then that this was wrong and unacceptable," Mamytov remarked. He elaborated that lawmakers deliberately avoided making the issue public at that time because the country was dealing with the Batken events, and the socio-political climate was highly volatile.

"It was not the time for political disputes. Serious events were unfolding in Batken, and we considered it inappropriate to raise such issues when the country faced more critical challenges. We decided not to use it for political gain," the former speaker explained. Mamytov confirmed that such incidents had occurred previously and were discussed within society, with related photographs appearing in the public domain at one point.

It was not the time for political disputes. Serious events were unfolding in Batken, and we considered it inappropriate to raise such issues when the country faced more critical challenges. We decided not to use it for political gain

— Talant MamytovJustifying why the issue of firearms in parliament was not made public during the Batken events.

He added, "Such events did happen. Today this issue is being raised again. If an investigation is necessary, the relevant authorities should assess it." This statement follows a 2022 incident where then-head of the State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, brought two boxes of assault rifles to a closed parliamentary session during discussions on the Batken events. While some deputies demanded a legal assessment, the matter did not progress further.

Such events did happen. Today this issue is being raised again. If an investigation is necessary, the relevant authorities should assess it

— Talant MamytovCommenting on the recurrence of the issue and the need for official assessment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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