Kyrgyzstan's Bakiyev Charged With Mass Killings

Kyrgyzstan’s interim authorities have charged the country’s former president, ousted Kurmanbek Bakiyev, with organising mass killings in the deadly uprising that forced him from office earlier this month. Interim authorities said on Tuesday they had formally prepared an extradition request.

Photo: Kyrgyzstan's Bakiyev Charged With Mass Killings

Belarus took in Bakiyev last week, while Moscow made clear he was not welcome in Russia, Aysor reports.

"He has been charged according to two articles — murder of more than two individuals and abuse of power," said the interim government's deputy leader, Azimbek Beknazarov.

"We have a basis for him to be extradited."

Bakiyev, who was toppled amid violent protests against widespread corruption and rising utility prices in the Central Asian state earlier this month, has been granted sanctuary by strongman Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The interim Kyrgyz government has previously said Bakiyev was wanted in connection with the shootings of demonstrators during the unrest that culminated in his overthrow. More than 80 people died in the protests, accordung to Vancouver Sun.