Witnesses Testify In Support Of Former Kyrgyz Minister

BISHKEK -- The chief of Kyrgyzstan's military medical service has testified in support of former Defense Minister Ismail Isakov at his trial in Bishkek, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Nazarbek Mukhamedjanov was invited as a witness to the trial of Isakov, who is accused of financial mismanagement and the illegal distribution of apartments when he served as defense minister from 2005-08.

Isakov, who also served as secretary of the National Security Council, pleaded not guilty to the charges and said they were politically motivated.

Isakov has been an opposition leader and critic of President Kurmanbek Bakiev. Mukhamedjanov said in the courtroom that he is proud to have worked under Isakov.

He said that Isakov did a lot for the medical service in the Kyrgyz Army and added that he believes the charges against Isakov are trumped up because of his opposition activity.

Retired military official Melis Maldybaev also testified that Isakov was a very professional manager when he served as defense minister.