Kyrgyzstan Changes Pre-Trial Restrictions for Offenders Charged in Kumtor Criminal Case

Two former prime ministers of Kyrgyzstan Djoomart Otorbayev and Temir Sariyev, who are the key figures of the cause celebre linked to the Kumtor gold mine, have written their pledge to not leave the country, according to the 24.kg website. 

Among other charged offenders who have been released out of jail recently are Torobai Zulpukarov and Iskhak Pirmatov, former deputies of the Kyrgyz parliament; former prime minister Omurbek Babanov, deputies Talant Uzakbaev and Almazbek Baatyrbekov. All of them have written a pledge to not leave the country and have received their new pre-trial restrictions.

However, several former top officials are still under arrest: Asylbek Jeenbekov and first prime minister Taiyrbek Sapashev even though their supporters believe these arrests are politically driven.

According to the investigation, massive corruption at the Kumtor gold mine had thrived since 1992. That was a reason why the Kyrgyz government has denounced its agreement with investors from Canada.

Askar Akayev, former Kyrgyz president who visited the country in August, also agreed to cooperate with the investigation. Moreover, Kyrgyz authorities have issued a wanted notice for executives of Centerra and Kumtor Gold Company.

On November 20, Centerra Gold, a Canadian company that had been involved in the gold mining process at Kumtor, excluded that project from its list of assets.