Raman Yakauleuski: Prosecutor General's Office casts doubts on legitimacy of government in Bishkek

Refusal to extradite Bakiyev's brother will have a negative impact on the CSTO, a political observer thinks.

Political observer Raman Yakauleuski comments for charter97.org on refusal of the Prosecutor General's Office of Belarus to extradite Zhanybek Bakiyev to Kyrgyzstan.

“The rumours that Zhanybek Bakiyev, who is on the Interpol wanted list, left Belarus following the scandal around his staying in Minsk were not confirmed. The statement by the prosecutor's office proves this fact,” Raman Yakauleuski said.

“The reason for extradition refusal pointed in the statement by the Prosecutor General's Office looks like casting doubts on legitimacy of the acting government in Bishkek. It's possible to forecast the relations between Kyrgyzstan and Belarus, both members of the same military and political union – the CSTO [the Collective Security Treaty Organization]. The worsened relations between two CSTO members will have only a negative impact on this institution. It's hard to imagine now that presidents of the countries, of which one disputes legitimacy of the other, could present together at the same table or military trainings,” the political observer thinks.  

We remind the Prosecutor General's Office of Belarus denied Kyrgyzstan's extradition request for Zhanybek Bakiyev on September 5.

“Taking into account the events in the Kyrgyz Republic and the nature of the charges against Zhanybek Bakiyev, Belarus believes the extradition request is related to his prosecution for his political views. Therefore, the extradition request for Zhanybek Bakiyev sent by the Prosecutor General's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic has been dismissed,” The Prosecutor General's Office of Belarus informs.