Citing interior ministry, Kyrgyz media reports says a psychiatric examination has been ordered for arrested former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev.
According 24.kg, the Interior Ministry press service said yesterday that psychiatrists will examine Atambayev and 15 co-defendants to determine whether the accused are fit to stand trial over a deadly two-day standoff between security forces and supporters of the ex-president in August.
Almazbek Atambayev was reportedly sent for examination to the Republican Center of Mental Health.
The Investigating Service of the Interior Ministry is investigating pre-trial proceedings on the fact of hostage-taking and riots in Koi-Tash village in Alamedin district of Chui region. As a part of the proceedings, the former head of state and other suspects, including two members of parliament, must undergo the psychiatric examination, 24.kg says.
Recall, Almazbek Atambayev was arrested on August 8 after he surrendered to police following the clashes.
The move to detain Atambayev was sparked by his refusal to obey three subpoenas calling him to the Interior Ministry for questioning in an investigation of his alleged involvement in the illegal release of a jailed organized-crime boss in 2013.
The standoff between security forces and his supporters reportedly resulted in one death of a security officer and more than 170 injuries — 79 of them sustained by law-enforcement officers.
Atambayev is suspected of committing several crimes, including organization of murder, organization of mass disturbances, and taking servicemen hostage during the clashes at his residence in August.
Atambayev has rejected all the accusations, insisting that his arrest was politically motivated.
