Crossroads Asia | Politics | Central Asia

Tashiev Returns to Kyrgyzstan, Questioned as a ‘Witness’

That Tashiev is being questioned as a witness, rather than detained as a culprit, is a political hedge.

Promotion material with the title of the State Tax Service’s investigation, featuring Tashiev in the middle.

Kamchybek Tashiev, who until his sudden dismissal in February was the head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS), returned to Kyrgyzstan on March 19. He was reportedly met at airport by his son Tai-Muras and they went, immediately, to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for questioning.

Kyrgyz media, such as 24.kg, have reported that Tashiev was being questioned as a witness in relation to two criminal cases. The authorities have not commented. 24.kg also reported that Tashiev was made to sign a non-disclosure agreement after a five-hour interrogation.

On March 20, Tashiev attended Eid al-Adha services in Bishkek. Eid al-Adha is the Muslim holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan; in Kyrgyzstan it is known as Orozo Ait.

In comments to journalists, Tashiev wished Kyrgyz peace and propserity; for Kyrgyzstan, he wshed for unity and stability.

“If I made a mistake and offended anyone, I apologize. I have forgiven everyone who spread rumors and slandered during the holy month of Orozo, for the sake of Allah. I hope they won’t do the same next time, won’t spread information that doesn’t correspond to reality. May the Almighty grant them faith. Happy holiday to everyone,” Tashiev said.

Tashiev did not speak in specifics but it’s not difficult to draw a line between his comments and recent events: the Kyrgyzneftegaz corruption allegations and the so-called “appeal of 75 people.”

Earlier this week, Tashiev’s nephew was among four people detained in relation to a criminal case involving state-owned Kyrgyzneftegaz and allegations of corruption. The State Tax Service, which kicked off the week with a video alleging corruption at Kyrgyzneftegaz and related companies run by Tashiev’s family and friends, put Tashiev front-and-center in its promotional material related to the investigation. 

Those allegations are not new. Four years ago, Temirov Live reported on much the same schemes as those exposed by the State Tax Service. Its........

© The Diplomat