Bakiev's Brother Sentenced In Absentia For Escape

Akmat Bakiev, the brother of Kyrgyz ex-President Kurmanbek Bakiev

BISHKEK -- A court in Bishkek has sentenced the brother of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev to an additional five years in prison for last year's escape from state custody.

Judge Almazbek Moldobaev told RFE/RL that Akmat Bakiev was sentenced in absentia on June 12.

Akmat Bakiev disappeared in March 2012 from a hospital where he was taken to be treated for pneumonia.

He was given a 7 1/2-year sentence in August 2011 following his conviction for organizing mass unrest and violent attacks on security officials in May and June of 2010.

His brother, Kurmanbek Bakiev, was ousted as president amid unrest in April 2010.

Akmat Bakiev was transferred from prison to a minimum-security residential facility in January, 2011.

His current location is unknown.