By empty (6/26/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Kyrgyzstan\'s Legislative Assembly (the lower house of parliament) on 26 June adopted laws giving the country\'s first president -- Askar Akaev -- and the two former first secretaries of the Communist Party of Kirghizia who are now parliamentarians -- Absamat Masaliev and Turdakun Usubaliev -- lifelong immunity from prosecution for actions taken during their periods in office. Akaev will also remain a member of the national Security Council for life. In addition, when he leaves office, he will continue to receive 80 percent of his presidential salary, will be allowed to keep his houses in Bishkek and on Lake Issyk-Kul, and an official car and driver.
Kyrgyzstan\'s Legislative Assembly (the lower house of parliament) on 26 June adopted laws giving the country\'s first president -- Askar Akaev -- and the two former first secretaries of the Communist Party of Kirghizia who are now parliamentarians -- Absamat Masaliev and Turdakun Usubaliev -- lifelong immunity from prosecution for actions taken during their periods in office. Akaev will also remain a member of the national Security Council for life. In addition, when he leaves office, he will continue to receive 80 percent of his presidential salary, will be allowed to keep his houses in Bishkek and on Lake Issyk-Kul, and an official car and driver. Moreover, every member of his family who lives with him will receive a monthly allowance from the state. Masaliev and Usubaliev will receive 75 percent of their final salaries, official apartments, dachas on Issyk-Kul, and cars and drivers. They will be freed from court costs if they sue to protect their honor and dignity. According to parliamentarian Kubatbek Baibolov, who proposed the legislation, the new law is intended to show respect for the former leaders of Soviet Kirghizia as well as for independent Kyrgyzstan\'s first president. (Interfax)