Former Kyrgyz Defense Minister To Face Trial

BISHKEK -- Former Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ismail Isakov is to face soon for alleged abuse of power and financial mismanagement.

Isakov -- who is now an opposition leader -- was defense minister from March 2005 until early 2008 and then served as secretary of the National Security Council until October.

His lawyer told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that Isakov will be interrogated at the Prosecutor-General's Office on February 10, adding that it will be the last interrogation before the case is transferred to a court.

Isakov says that the accusations against him are politically motivated because of his opposition party activities.