Kyrgyz media reports says former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev was sentenced in absentia to more than 11 years in prison.

Sputnik Kyrgyzstan reported Tuesday that Atambayev was sentenced to 11 ½ years in prison.  .

AKIpress reports that a court in Bishkek’s Pervomayskiy district on the evening of June 3 delivered its verdict on several criminal cases involving former President Almazbek Atambayev. The hearing was presided over by Judge Aziret Mederov.

The court reportedly consolidated three separate criminal cases into one: the illegal acquisition of land in the village of Koi-Tash, illegal enrichment, and involvement in the violent events that took place in Koi-Tash on August 7-8, 2019.

Along with Atambayev, Farid Niyazov, the former head of the Presidential Administration, was sentenced to 7 years and 8 months in prison.  In total, nine people were convicted for their roles in the events. Among them was Kanat Sagymbaev, Atambayev's former bodyguard, who was sentenced to 5 years of probation.

Four other accused individuals, including former Interior Ministry Abduld Suranchiyev, were acquitted due to the statute of limitations for their crimes expiring.

The sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile trial that has captured the attention of Kyrgyzstan and beyond.  Legal experts suggest that this case could have a significant impact on the future of Kyrgyz politics, particularly regarding the accountability of former officials.

Atambayev, who led the country from 2011 to 2017, was reportedly convicted of unlawfully acquiring land in the village of Koi-Tash in the Chui region, involvement in corruption during the renovation of the Bishkek thermal power plant, and inciting mass unrest in Koi-Tash.

He is currently living abroad.

Atambayev was originally detained on Aug. 8, 2019 following a raid on his residence in Koi-Tash.  In June 2020, he received a prison sentence of 11 years and 2 months.  However, in November of the same year, the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan annulled the lower court ruling and ordered a retrial.