Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu Describes Meeting with Ulan Niyazbekov at Yrys Ordo

Former Kyrgyz parliament speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu said he met Interior Minister Ulan Niyazbekov at the opening of the Yrys Ordo state congress center, shortly before a Bishkek City Court hearing in the “Letter 75” case.

Turgunbek uulu told journalists that he and Niyazbekov had worked on the same team for several years and had cooperated closely on internal security. “We worked closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. I have good relations with everyone,” he said. He emphasized that their conversation at the event did not address the criminal case concerning alleged preparations for a violent seizure of power.

The former speaker said he attended the August 24 opening as a guest after receiving an official invitation. President Sadyr Japarov took part in the ceremony, which also brought together government representatives, former officials, lawmakers and other public figures. Former Prosecutor General Kurmankul Zulushev and other defendants in the “Letter 75” case were among the guests.

Images of Turgunbek uulu meeting Niyazbekov at the event had earlier circulated on social media. Turgunbek uulu said he interpreted the invitation as a call from the president for unity despite disagreements and the circumstances surrounding the case.

On July 2, Bishkek’s Pervomaisky District Court found Turgunbek uulu, former State Committee for National Security chief Kamchybek Tashiev, Zulushev and five others guilty in the case. They received four-year prison sentences with three years of probation supervision, allowing all defendants to remain free. Prosecutors and the convicted defendants appealed. The Bishkek City Court began hearing the appeals in early August behind closed doors, and a decision could be issued this week, according to one defense lawyer.

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We worked closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. I have good relations with everyone.