[JURIST] The Kyrgyzstan interim government announced Sunday that it will place ousted president Kurmanbek Bakiyev on trial for killings that took place during the recent uprising earlier this month and for abuse of power while in office. The interim government is also planning to try members of Bakiyev’s family and administration on charges that include corruption and human rights violations. Despite the pledge to bring Bakiyev and his allies to justice, so far only Baktybek Kaliyev, Bakiyev’s defense minister, has been arrested. It is believed that Bakiyev is currently in Kazakhstan, and interim officials have said they will seek extradition to bring him before their courts.
Last week, Kyrgyzstan interim leader Roza Otunbayeva said that Bakiyev should stand trial for the recent violence. The protests, prompted in part by a drastic increase in utility costs, led to at least 84 deaths and many more injuries. Earlier this month, Otunbayeva launched the interim government after the violence forced Bakiyev to flee the capital. The protests came just one week after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Kyrgyzstan to protect all forms of human rights, including “free speech and freedom of the media.”