Ousted Kyrgyz President And Brother Sentenced In Absentia

Former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev

BISHKEK -- The Bishkek Garrison Court sentenced former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev to 24 years in prison on February 11.

Bakiev's brother, Janysh Bakiev, received a life sentence on the same day.

The Bakievs were tried in absentia for their alleged roles in a high-profile political assassination.

Opposition politician Medet Sadyrkulov and two associates were found dead in a burned-out car near Bishkek in March 2009.

Their deaths were initially ruled to be the result of a traffic accident.

The case was reopened after President Bakiev fled the country in April 2010 following large antigovernment demonstrations in the capital.

In November 2012, five former security officers were sentenced to prison terms for their roles in the killings.

Bakiev has been living in Belarus since his ouster.

His brother has also been seen in Belarus, but his current whereabouts is unknown.