Kyrgyzstan President Pardons Former Atambayev Aide Farid Niyazov

Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov has issued a pardon for Farid Niyazov, who previously served as the head of former President Almazbek Atambayev's administration. Niyazov, a close associate of Atambayev, was arrested in connection with the events that unfolded in Koy-Tash in August 2019.

Niyazov was found guilty and received a sentence of seven years and eight months imprisonment. He was taken into custody directly from the courtroom. The Koy-Tash case has been under judicial review since 2022, with additional episodes concerning the Bishkek Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHPP), the Dastan plant, and land disputes being incorporated into the proceedings.

Among the accused in various related episodes are former Interior Minister Abdilda Suranchiev and former Energy Minister Askarbek Shadiyev. A total of 20 individuals face charges, with 12 specifically linked to the Koy-Tash events. Former President Atambayev himself was released for medical treatment in February 2023 and has since remained abroad in Spain.

The 2019 Koy-Tash events involved a failed attempt by special forces to storm Atambayev's residence, followed by clashes with his supporters. These confrontations resulted in 136 injuries and the death of one special forces officer. Atambayev faces multiple criminal charges, including those related to the Koy-Tash unrest, corruption, and money laundering.