From friendship to accusation: Tashiyev is suspected of seizing power

A true "earthquake" has occurred in the political landscape of Kyrgyzstan. One of the country's most powerful figures, Kamchybek Tashiyev, who long headed the national security system, must now answer before the law. The "general," who once declared a ruthless fight against corruption, is now suspected of committing serious crimes. Zamin.uz has investigated the details of this high-profile process in the neighboring country.
Unexpected criminal case and investigation
Official charges have been filed against the former chairman of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Tashiyev. He is accused of attempting to seize state power by force and abuse of office. Currently, a travel restriction has been imposed on the politician as a preventive measure. The country's Ministry of Internal Affairs is handling the case.
Tashiyev's response: "I am not guilty"
Following the interrogation, Tashiyev addressed his supporters via social media. He completely denies the charges and expresses confidence that the truth will prevail during the trial.
"I felt it necessary to address you regarding the criminal case initiated against me. I have the opportunity to fully defend myself in this criminal case. I am not guilty and, God willing, I will be acquitted. The guilty will be punished, and the innocent will be acquitted, because our head of state is striving to create a fair judicial system in our country," the politician wrote on his Facebook page. He also called on his supporters to refrain from any protests and to act only within the framework of the law.
The collapse of the tandem: Has the friendship come to an end?
Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiyev were considered inseparable political partners for over a decade. After the 2020 revolution, they took the reins of the state together. However, recent events show that this "iron tandem" has suffered a serious rift.
The unexpected dismissal of Tashiyev in February of this year raised questions for many. MP Elvira Surabaldiyeva stated that this might have been caused by Tashiyev's attempt to organize a coup d'état.
"The President is a broad-minded person. It is very difficult for the President right now because his close friend tried to remove him from office. In all likelihood, this was the main reason for Tashiyev's dismissal," the MP said.
President Japarov also stated in his interviews that before the law, any friendship or kinship is secondary, and that the investigation will determine the truth.
The battle of political ratings
Analysts believe that a struggle for political influence lies behind this tension. Recent polls have shown that Tashiyev's rating had risen to 22 percent, while trust in Japarov was around 35-38 percent. With the 2027 presidential elections approaching, such competition further complicates the situation.
The presidential race has not yet officially begun in the country, but some politicians have already started promoting the initiative to hold early elections.
On February 9, one day before Tashiyev's dismissal, an appeal was received by Japarov and the Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, calling for "an immediate initiative to hold new presidential elections." The document was signed by 75 people, including former prime ministers, former members of parliament, and public figures.
Following this, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs initiated a criminal case for organizing mass riots, and several of those who signed the appeal were arrested. Among them were supporters of Tashiyev.
On February 10, Tashiyev was dismissed from his post. Sadyr Japarov explained his decision by a desire to prevent division in society. According to him, the conflict originated in parliament: there, they began dividing deputies into factions, intimidating them with the "general," and then collecting signatures to hold early elections.
"I believe that with this swift decision, I, on the contrary, saved my friend. Because those who were around him... led my friend astray... This could have led to divisions among state apparatus employees and society, as well as potential clashes.
The Constitution imposes on the President the obligation to maintain the integrity of the state and the unity of the people and civil servants. I strictly fulfilled this obligation. Because the interests of the state and the entire people are higher than positions and friendship," Japarov had said.
The Tashiyev family and the "fuel scandal"
After Kamchybek Tashiyev left the leadership of the SCNS, "dark clouds" began to gather over his family members. The tax service and law enforcement agencies have opened a criminal case regarding the embezzlement of funds belonging to the "Kyrgyzneftgaz" company.
Financial damage: According to investigation data, the amount of damage caused to the state is 4.1 billion som (approximately 46 million US dollars).
Arrests: Within the framework of this case, Tashiyev's relative Baygazi Matisakov and his brother, former MP Shairbek Tashiyev, have been arrested. They also deny the charges brought against them.
The family, which once intimidated others with a campaign to "force them to vomit" (return money to the state), has now become a target of that very system. How this political drama in Kyrgyzstan will end is currently unknown, but it is clear that the situation is extremely precarious.
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