Kyrgyz Opposition Politician Investigated For Bribery

Isa Omurkulov at an opposition rally in Bishkek on March 27

BISHKEK -- Investigations have been launched against a leading member of the opposition Social Democratic Party's faction in the Kyrgyz parliament, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Faction leader Bakyt Beshimov confirmed to RFE/RL that Isa Omurkulov could face bribery charges.

Omurkulov told RFE/RL that the authorities have been investigating his and his relatives' activities for a long time. He said he has done nothing wrong and that all charges against him are politically motivated.

Financial Police press secretary Nurila Batyralieva told RFE/RL that the Prosecutor-General's Office began an investigation into Omurkulov on March 26.

She said the case is about a large sum of money allegedly owed by Omurkulov to an unnamed person.