Former Kyrgyz security chief questioned over alleged coup attempt

Former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev has been questioned in connection with an alleged attempt to seize power by force, Kyrgyz lawyer Sherdor Abdykaparov said.

Abdykaparov had earlier stated that formal charges were brought against Tashiev, as well as former MP Kurmankul Zulushev and former parliament speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu. On 28 April, he posted a video on Facebook stating that the three had been charged with “attempting to violently seize power”, but later deleted the post.

Accusations of plotting disturbances 

The case involves serious allegations linked to organising mass unrest and actions investigators consider to amount to an attempted coup. Law enforcement sources said the questioning took place at the Interior Ministry’s main investigative department and lasted several hours, after which the individuals left the building.

Authorities have not disclosed further details of the charges or the progress of the investigation.

The investigation is linked to the so-called “letter of 75” - an appeal signed by politicians and public figures calling on President Sadyr Japarov to hold early presidential elections. The appeal, which emerged in February, triggered a series of political developments, including Tashiev’s dismissal from all official posts.

An instutional shakeup 

At the time, the presidential administration said the move was intended to preserve national unity and prevent divisions within state institutions. It also alleged that individuals close to Tashiev had contacted lawmakers to encourage support for early elections.

Subsequent changes affected the structure of the security sector, with the border service removed from the national security committee and a new state protection service placed directly under presidential authority. Several signatories to the appeal were later detained on charges related to organising mass unrest.

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Ramifications extend across parliament 

President Japarov has said any involvement by Tashiev should be determined by investigators and the courts, while also indicating that his former ally would not return to public office. None of the key figures in the case have commented publicly.

The political fallout has extended to parliament, where Turgunbek uulu stepped down as speaker and later gave up his mandate, while several other MPs also resigned amid the investigations. Separate criminal cases, including corruption-related probes, have been opened against a number of political figures.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court has reiterated that the next presidential election must be held as scheduled in January 2027, effectively ruling out early elections outside the constitutional framework.

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Kyrgystan News Politics Sadyr Japarov