Kyrgyzstan court sentences officials in "Letter of 75" case to probation

A Bishkek court has delivered a verdict in the high-profile "Letter of 75" case, sentencing eight individuals, including prominent former officials, to four years of imprisonment each, suspended by a three-year probationary period. Among those convicted are former Prosecutor General Kurmankul Zulushev, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, and the former chairman of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), Kamchybek Tashiev.

The case centered on allegations of preparing for a violent seizure of power. The charges stemmed from a collective appeal, signed by 75 public and political figures, urging the president and parliament to hold early presidential elections. Five signatories of this letter, along with three high-ranking officials, were defendants in the trial.

While the court found all eight guilty, it opted for probation rather than immediate incarceration. This decision was based on the crime not being fully realized, remaining at the preparation stage, and considering the degree of intent and the personal circumstances of the defendants. The court concluded that their correction was possible without isolating them from society. Lawyers for most of the convicted have announced their intention to appeal the verdict.

Under the probationary supervision, the convicted individuals must report to probation authorities, refrain from leaving Kyrgyzstan, notify authorities of any changes in residence or employment, and attend regular registration and counseling sessions. The court can impose additional conditions, such as restrictions on contact with certain individuals or places, or mandatory treatment for dependencies. Failure to comply with probation terms could result in the original prison sentence being enforced. The probationary measure means that figures like Tashiev, who was dismissed from his GKNB post shortly before the letter surfaced, can potentially participate in future presidential elections, depending on the final legal status of the conviction.