Kyrgyz Lawmakers Say Security Officers Framed Opposition Leader

Tekebaev supporters demonstrating in Bishkek on September 12 (Courtesy Photo) September 21, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyz lawmakers investigating the recent arrest of a colleague in Poland have alleged involvement by officers of the Kyrgyz National Security Service (SNB) intent on framing the former parliamentary speaker.

The announcement was made today by Bolot Sherniyazov, a member of the parliamentary commission that has been investigating opposition leader Omurbek Tekebaev's detention in early September.

Kyrgyz parliamentary speaker Marat Sultanov later read a statement drafted by the commission that stated: "The parliamentary commission believes that officers of Kyrgyzstan's National Security Service are involved in the provocation organized against Jogorku Kenesh (Supreme Council) lawmaker O. Tekebaev."

Tekebaev was arrested at Warsaw airport on September 6 after Polish border police reportedly found heroin in his suitcase. A Polish court ordered Tekebaev's release two days later, saying it had accepted his claims that the drugs had been planted in his luggage at Bishkek airport.

Sherniyazov today called the incident a "provocation that aimed at discrediting and isolating a leader of the opposition."

SNB Chairman Busurmankul Tabaldiev and his main deputy, President Kurmanbek Bakiev's brother, Janysh, have resigned over the scandal.

Both have denied any wrongdoing.

(RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service, AKIpress, 24.kg, and Kabar)