Two Kyrgyz Judges Fired Over Lawmakers' Release

Judge Kurmankul Zulushev (pictured) and Mederbek Satiev were released for their "unlawful decision" to acquit three politicians after being attacked by their supporters in court.

BISHKEK -- Two judges from Bishkek City Court have been dismissed over the controversial release from jail of three opposition lawmakers.

The Kyrgyz presidential press service said on October 14 that President Almazbek Atambaev had signed a decree dismissing Kurmankul Zulushev and Mederbek Satiev for their "unlawful decision" to release the lawmakers from the opposition Ata-Jurt (Fatherland) party.

Kamchybek Tashiev, Sadyr Japarov, and Talant Mamytov were convicted in March on charges of attempting to overthrow the government.

They were sentenced to prison terms of between one year and 18 months.

In June, the three lawmakers were acquitted shortly after their supporters assaulted the judges during a court session.

In August, Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court reversed the lawmakers' acquittals, but ruled that they would not have to return to prison.