Former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev recently addressed the anniversary of the April Revolution on his official Facebook page. He took a moment to remember the tragic events of April 7, 2010, which saw the loss of 86 young lives due to the shooting of protesters. Atambayev honored the heroes of the revolution and offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected.
In his reflection on the revolution, Atambayev underscored its transformative impact on Kyrgyzstan. He noted that besides overthrowing a regime, the revolution put an end to the long-standing suppression of civil rights and freedoms that dated back to the 1990s. Atambayev attributed the country's post-revolutionary reforms to the empowerment of the Kyrgyz people, the advancement of the economy, the promotion of cultural growth, and the nurturing of national pride.
Atambayev also emphasized the Kyrgyz people's unwavering pursuit of freedom and justice, underscoring the importance of upholding constitutional rights and freedoms. He expressed his optimism that the country's current leadership would honor and respect these fundamental principles. Following his release from prison in February 2023 and the overturning of his conviction related to the unlawful release of a crime boss, Atambayev is now able to seek medical treatment abroad.
After being detained since August 2019, with a brief release in October 2020, Atambayev has traveled to Spain for medical care following a short stay in Dubai. His journey is a testament to the intricate political landscape of Kyrgyzstan, characterized by ongoing struggles for democracy and the rule of law.
