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Prosecutor Asks For Eight-Year Jail Sentence For Former Kyrgyz Minister


Former Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ismail Isakov
Former Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ismail Isakov
BISHKEK -- The prosecutor in the trial of former Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ismail Isakov has asked for an eight-year jail sentence, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Isakov is on trial at a military court, accused of financial mishandling and corruption.

He has pleaded not guilty and says all charges against him are politically motivated.

The prosecutor also asked the court to deprive Isakov, a lieutenant general, of his military rank and awards and to confiscate all his property.

Isakov used to be one of the closest associates of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev. He became defense minister shortly after the "tulip revolution" in March 2005 that brought Bakiev to power.

He was appointed secretary of the National Security Council in May 2008. He left the post in October 2008 and joined Kyrgyzstan's political opposition.

His colleagues and relatives say the lawsuit against Isakov is retaliation for his opposition activity.

Isakov's trial is scheduled to resume on December 7.
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