More people may be linked to the “appeal of 75 citizens” — Japarov

Earlier, it was reported that 75 citizens in Kyrgyzstan had sent an appeal to President Sadyr Japarov and Jogorku Kenesh Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu calling for early presidential elections. According to Japarov, more people may be involved in the initiative. He said this in an interview with the Kabar news agency.

According to the president, investigative actions are currently being carried out by the relevant authorities.

“The investigation will show how extensive the initiative you mentioned was and how many people were involved. The number of participants may be higher than currently stated. However, I will be able to give a precise answer after the investigation is completed,” he said.

Japarov also commented on the reasons for appealing to the Constitutional Court, noting that doubts and controversial issues arising in society must receive clear and legal answers.

“Today, Kyrgyzstan has a Constitutional Court, and this body can provide a final interpretation and legal assessment of all discussions and various interpretations related to the basic law. Therefore, I consider it legally correct and logical to обратиться to the Constitutional Court on this issue,” the head of state said.

Earlier, a group of public figures and officials had appealed to President Sadyr Japarov and Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu to initiate early presidential elections. The document was signed by 75 people. Following this, Emilbek Uzokboyev, Kurmanbek Diykanboyev, and Bekbolot Talgarbekov were detained and placed in a temporary detention facility.

Tashiev’s resignation

On February 10, Kamchybek Tashiev, Chairman of the State Committee for National Security and Deputy Prime Minister, was dismissed by presidential decree. He explained his decision as an effort to “prevent division in society.” Tashiev later said he learned about the decision while undergoing a scheduled medical check-up in Germany following heart surgery.

Following his dismissal, First Deputy Chairman Kurbonbek Avazov, Cybersecurity Center Director Daniyel Risaliyev, and Counterterrorism Center Director Elizar Smanov were also removed from their posts. Abdukarim Alimbayev was dismissed as First Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security and appointed head of the State Border Service. He was replaced by Rustam Mamasadykov, who had been serving as Secretary of the Security Council.

Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, who had served as head of Service No. 9 and deputy chairman of the committee since 2020, was appointed acting chairman of the State Committee for National Security.

On the same day, the Border Service was removed from the structure of the State Committee.

The Japarov–Tashiev tandem

Kamchybek Tashiev was appointed chairman of the State Committee for National Security on October 16, 2020. The decree was signed by Sadyr Japarov in his capacity as acting president following the events of October 5–6, 2020.

The long-standing relationship between Tashiev and President Sadyr Japarov had been regarded as one of the most stable and influential political alliances in the country. Their cooperation began long before they came to power: in the early 2010s, they often stood on the same side in political processes and even went through a joint criminal episode in 2012, which strengthened their personal ties.

After the October 2020 events, the tandem took its final shape: Sadyr Japarov became president, while Kamchybek Tashiev was appointed head of the security service and became a key pillar of the power bloc. He oversaw the most high-profile cases, shaped security policy, and was widely seen as one of the president’s closest allies.

Among experts, their alliance was often described as the country’s strongest political duo, and any personnel changes surrounding Tashiev were viewed as a sign of serious shifts in the configuration of power.

Recently, rumors had circulated in political circles that the head of the special services might take part in future presidential elections. Tashiev repeatedly stated that he had no intention of running for president and would support Sadyr Japarov.