The trial of Kamchybek Tashiev, former chief of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS), and other defendants in the so-called “Case of 75” continued in Bishkek, with one of the first witnesses to testify being Kyrgyz lawmaker Elvira Surabaldieva.
Notably, in April, Surabaldieva told a Kazakh journalist that individuals allegedly linked to Tashiev had been preparing to seize power for an extended period, but that the alleged attempt was ultimately thwarted. According to her, those events were connected to Tashiev’s high-profile dismissal.
Dispute over “letter of the 75 aksakals”
During the hearing, Surabaldieva referred to an internal parliamentary investigation into the case.
“I studied the findings of the internal investigation conducted by members of the Jogorku Kenesh. Based on that, I reached my own conclusions as a politician. Yes, some people have become accustomed to silencing everyone over the years,” she said, commenting on the so-called “letter of the 75 aksakals,” or elders.
Following those remarks, Tashiev brought up the 2005 murder of Zhyrgalbek Surabaldiev, the lawmaker’s father. The former security chief said he had been among the first people to assist the family after the tragedy.
Accusations of pressure
Surabaldieva responded by accusing Tashiev of attempting to pressure her psychologically.
“What does my father have to do with this? My sister was there first, not you. You’re pressuring me by bringing up his murder. Are you threatening me? You wanted to put me in jail so many times back then, and now this?” she said.
Tashiev denied ever wanting to imprison her.
In response, Surabaldieva accused him of using intimidation tactics.
“Someone here is used to silencing everyone and threatening people. I think the judge is also afraid of someone, which is why he does not reprimand him and only reacts to my statements,” the lawmaker said.
The exchange grew increasingly heated before Judge Mederov ultimately reprimanded Tashiev.
Surabaldiev murder and legal proceedings
Kyrgyz lawmaker and prominent businessman Zhyrgalbek Surabaldiev was killed in downtown Bishkek on June 10, 2005. He was reportedly shot 14 times.
The Supreme Court initially found Erkin Mambetaliyev, a former bodyguard of ex-president Almazbek Atambayev, guilty of the murder and other crimes, sentencing him to life in prison. He was later acquitted.
Political context of the «Case of 75»
The current criminal proceedings stem from a collective appeal signed by a group of politicians and activists known as the «Letter of 75 Aksakals,» published on Feb. 9. The letter called for early elections, citing disputes over the interpretation of presidential term limits for incumbent President Sadyr Japarov.
Investigators later classified the appeal as an attempt to destabilize the political situation with the alleged aim of preparing a seizure of power.
Fallout involving former security chief
On Feb. 10, President Japarov dismissed Tashiev from his position as head of the SCNS. The move came shortly after the political controversy surrounding the letter.
According to recent sociological data cited in local reports, 60.6% of respondents support criminal proceedings against Tashiev and his associates, while public trust in President Japarov reportedly exceeds 68%.
Later, Japarov stated that he was prepared to bring even close allies to justice if necessary.
