Almazbek Atambayev

Almazbek Atambaev was born in 1956 in the northern region of Chüy. His father, Sharshen Atambayev, was a veteran of World War II who served with the Red Army on the front lines in Eastern Europe.{{Cite news|url=http://newsme.com.ua/en/politics/3770744/|title=Russia - the birthplace of the Kirghiz|work=NewsMe|access-date=2017-10-04}} Atambaev received his degree in economics while studying at the Moscow Institute of Management.{{cite web|url=http://kyrgyzstan.carnegieendowment.org/2010/06/background-on-almaz-atambayev|title=Background on Almaz Atambayev|work=Kyrgyzstan: Country in transition|publisher=Carngeie Endowment for International Peace|access-date=23 April 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711024325/http://kyrgyzstan.carnegieendowment.org/2010/06/background-on-almaz-atambayev|archive-date=11 July 2012|url-status=dead}} He has four children from his marriage to his first wife Buazhar. In 1988 he married his second wife, Raisa, with whom he has six children: daughters Aliya (born 1997), Diana, and Dinara, and sons Seyit, Seytek, and Khadyrbek (born 1993).{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40479231 |title=President's daughter sparks breastfeeding debate with photo|work=BBC News |first=Faranak |last=Amidi |date=29 July 2017 |access-date=29 July 2017}} Raisa is an ethnic Tatar, born in Osh. She is a doctor.{{cite web|url=http://rus.azattyk.org/media/photogallery/24944093.html|title="First lady of Kyrgyzstan", Radio Free Europe |date=April 2013 |access-date=1 May 2013}} His daughther - Aliya Shagieva - is a famous artist in Kyrgyzstan.

In January 2018, he published a song he authored called "Kyrgyzstan", which was later rewritten by Azerbaijani performer Araz Elses.{{Cite web |date=17 January 2018 |title=На песню "Кыргызстаным" Алмазбека Атамбаева сняли очередной клип |trans-title=Another music video was made for Almazbek Atambayev's song "Kyrgyzstanym". |url=https://24.kg/obschestvo/73497_napesnyu_kyirgyizstanyim_almazbeka_atambaeva_snyali_ocherednoy_klip/ |access-date=23 June 2020 |website=24.kg}}

Atambayev was an unsuccessful candidate in the October 2000 presidential election, receiving 6% of the vote.[http://psephos.adam-carr.net/countries/k/kyrgyzstan/kyrgyzstanpres.txt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831122305/http://psephos.adam-carr.net/countries/k/kyrgyzstan/kyrgyzstanpres.txt|date=31 August 2006}} He served as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism in the government from 20 December 2005[http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2005/12/211205.asp "New Kyrgyz Government Sworn In"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930065314/http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2005/12/211205.asp |date=30 September 2007 }}, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 21 December 2005. until he resigned on 21 April 2006.{{Cite news |date=2012-02-02 |title=Kyrgyzstan's Trade Minister Resigns |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1067834.html |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}}

In November 2006 he was one of the leaders of anti-government protests in Bishkek, under the umbrella of the movement 'For Reform!' (За Реформы).{{cite web|author=Jean-Christophe Peuch |url=http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/11/c1e7e6d1-a898-460b-9ac6-20b7b3e09a64.html|title=Kyrgyzstan: Deputies Take Legal Steps For New Constitution|publisher=Rferl|date=November 2006|access-date=13 March 2013}} He was also involved in earlier protests in late April 2006.

On 26 December 2006 Atambayev rejected calls from other lawmakers for a dissolution of the Supreme Council, saying, "It is impossible for this Parliament to be dissolved at least until May [2007], and it has to adopt all the laws. Otherwise there will be a war in Kyrgyzstan, because even if Parliament adopts the [proposed] authoritarian constitution, I will tell you openly, we will not accept it. It would be a constitution adopted illegally. Then we would take every [possible protest action]. We are ready for that."{{Cite news |date=2012-02-02 |title=Kyrgyz Lawmakers Call For Dissolution Of Parliament |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1073679.html |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}}

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Azim Isabekov on 29 March 2007, Atambayev was appointed acting Prime Minister by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.{{Cite news |date=2012-02-02 |title=Kyrgyz Prime Minister Resigns |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1075567.html |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}} He was then confirmed in parliament by a vote of 48–3 on 30 March.{{Cite news |date=2012-02-02 |title=Kyrgyz Parliament Confirms New Prime Minister |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1075594.html |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}} He is the first prime minister in Central Asia to come from an opposition party.{{Cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Ilan |date=2007-03-30 |title=Pressed, Kyrgyz President Names His Critic as Premier |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/30/world/asia/30kyrgyzstan.html |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} On 11 April, he tried to address a large protest in Bishkek demanding Bakiyev's resignation, but was booed by the protesters.[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/11/asia/AS-GEN-Kyrgyzstan-Protest.php "Kyrgyz opposition stages large rally against embattled president"], Associated Press (International Herald Tribune), 11 April 2007.{{Cite news |last=Pannier |first=Bruce |date=2012-02-02 |title=Protesters Demand Bakiev Step Down |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1075803.html |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}}

Bakiyev announced the resignation of Atambayev's government on 24 October 2007, following a constitutional referendum. The government was to remain in office until after a parliamentary election in December.{{Cite web |title=President: Kyrgyz government resigns but will stay on for 2 more months |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/24/asia/AS-POL-Kyrgyzstan-Government.php |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20080907112145/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/24/asia/AS-POL-Kyrgyzstan-Government.php |archive-date=2008-09-07 |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=International Herald Tribune |language=en-US}} Nonetheless, Atambayev resigned on 28 November 2007; Bakiyev accepted the resignation, while praising Atambayev for his performance in office, and appointed Acting First Deputy Prime Minister Iskenderbek Aidaraliyev in his place as Acting Prime Minister.{{Cite web |date=2008-01-12 |title=Spokesman: Kyrgyz president accepts resignation of PM |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112133259/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/28/content_7161658.htm |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Xinhua}}Daniel Sershen, [http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav112907.shtml "Kyrgyzstan: Prime Minister pushed aside as parliamentary election approaches"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202045350/http://eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav112907.shtml |date=2 December 2007}}, Eurasianet, 29 November 2007. Edil Baisalov of the Social Democratic Party claimed that Atambayev was forced out of office because he was an obstacle to alleged government interference in the parliamentary election.

File:2005 Tulip Revolution.png

Almazbek Atambayev, who was at the helm of the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan, played a key role in the Tulip Revolution of 2005.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-24 |title="Тюльпановая революция": взгляд на мартовские события спустя 17 лет |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/31768025.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |work=Радио Азаттык |language=ru}} Tulip was a symbol of Kyrgyz Social Democratic party in 2005. With his active participation in protests and decisive speeches against corruption and authoritarianism, he became a leading force for democratic change. Atambayev oriented his party towards the fight for the establishment of a rule of law and justice, attracting many supporting citizens. Under his leadership, the Social Democratic Party actively supported and mobilized protesters, becoming one of the organizers of mass rallies that ultimately led to the overthrow of President Askar Akayev. Atambayev used his position to call for democratic reforms and the improvement of human rights in the country.

On 20 April 2009, Atambayev was announced as a candidate for the July 2009 presidential elections.{{Cite news |last=Pannier |first=Bruce |date=2009-04-20 |title=Kyrgyz Opposition Unveils Presidential Hopeful |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/Kyrgyz_Opposition_Unveils_Presidential_Hopeful/1612338.html |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |language=en}}

File:Arrest of Social Democratic Party Leader 2010.png

But on polling day Atambayev withdrew his candidacy claiming "widespread fraud": "Due to massive, unprecedented violations, we consider these elections illegitimate and a new election should be held".{{Cite news |date=2009-07-23 |title=Kyrgyz candidate in poll pullout |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8164277.stm |access-date=2025-05-19 |language=en-GB}}

Following the 2010 parliamentary election, he was chosen to be Prime Minister at the head of a coalition government with his SDPK, Respublika, and Ata-Zhurt (which won a plurality in the election).{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/12/2010121717124592799.html|title=Kyrgyz pick PM, parliament speaker|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=17 December 2010|access-date=13 March 2013}}

Atambayev ran in 2011 to succeed Roza Otunbayeva as President of Kyrgyzstan. On election day, 30 October 2011, he won in a landslide, defeating Adakhan Madumarov from the Butun Kyrgyzstan party and Kamchybek Tashiev from the Ata-Zhurt party with 63% of the vote from about 60% of the eligible Kyrgyz population voting.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15510217|agency=BBC News|title=PM Atambayev wins Kyrgyzstan presidential election |date=31 October 2011}}

He was inaugurated on 1 December 2011.{{Cite web|url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/24408060.html|title=Инаугурация Алмазбека Атамбаева|date=December 2011 |access-date=8 August 2019|via=rus.azattyk.org}}{{Cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20111115/488964170.html|title = Инаугурация нового президента Киргизии Атамбаева состоится 1 декабря|date = 15 November 2011}} It took place in the National Philharmonic Hall in Bishkek. The ceremony was attended by the President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade and President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. The attendance of the head of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergey Naryshkin and the Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov was expected, however they could not and instead sent lower level Russian Foreign Ministry officials in their place. During his inaugural speech, he said the following about the future of Kyrgyzstan:{{Cite web|url=https://kloop.kg/blog/2011/12/01/hronika-ky-rgy-zstan-gotovitsya-k-inauguratsii-atambaeva/|title=Хроника: Атамбаев вступил в должность президента [обновлено в 11:49]|first1=Бектур|last1=Искендер|first2=Диана|last2=Рахманова|first3=Любовь|last3=Шевченко|date=1 December 2011|website=KLOOP.KG|access-date=8 August 2019}}

{{blockquote|"Today we are writing a new story. This is not the history of the president, but a new history of our country."}}

The ceremony budget cost less than half of what was spent for inauguration ceremony of Kurmanbek Bakiev in August 2009, costing about 10 million soms ($217,000 in US Dollars).{{Cite web|url=http://enews.fergananews.com/articles/2729|title=Almazbek Atambaev inaugurated as the president of Kyrgyzstan|website=Fergana News|access-date=2017-10-16|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042258/http://enews.fergananews.com/articles/2729|url-status=dead}} Unlike the breastplates used for the inaugurations of Akaev, Bakiyev and Otunbayeva, which were framed with diamonds and pearls, the jewelers decided not to use the gems in the 108 centimeter long breastplate as it was considered to be an "imported" element in the national culture.{{Cite web |date=23 November 2017 |title=Инаугурация Алмазбека Атамбаева. Как это было, кто приехал, сколько стоило |trans-title=Inauguration of Almazbek Atambayev: How it happened, who attended, and how much it cost. |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/366515_inaygyraciia_almazbeka_atambaeva._kak_eto_bylo_kto_priehal_skolko_stoilo.html |access-date=8 August 2019 |website=Кактус}}

File:George Soros in Kyrgyzstan.png

George Soros spoke positively about Almazbek Atambayev, stating that "Kyrgyzstan was lucky to have a non-corrupt president", noting that the coming to power of a person who is not mired in corruption is good for the democratic development of the country.{{Cite web |title=CentralAsia: Кыргызстану повезло получить некоррумпированного президента, - Сорос (видео) |url=https://centralasia.media/print:1126074 |access-date=2022-08-22 |work=centralasia.media}} Alexander Soros positively reviewed digitalization efforts of Kyrgyz government in Taza Koom project.{{Cite web |title=Алмазбек Атамбаев встретился с сыном Джорджа Сороса - Алексом |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/28525062.html |access-date=2022-08-22 |work=Радио Азаттык |date=2 June 2017 |language=ru}} Vladimir Putin characterized Almazbek Atambayev as a person who "keeps his word... It is sometimes difficult to agree on something with him, but if something has already been agreed, he goes to the end in fulfilling the agreements reached."{{Cite web |last=Bengard |first=Anastasia |date=2017-09-16 |title=Владимир Путин: Алмазбек Атамбаев — человек, который держит слово - |url=https://24.kg/vlast/62883_vladimir_putin_almazbek_atambaev_chelovek_kotoryiy_derjit_slovo_/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=24.kg |language=ru-RU}}

File:Gutierres in Kyrgyzstan.png

At the end of presidential term of Atambaev, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Kyrgyzstan and stated:

"I was convinced that Kyrgyzstan and the people of the country are committed to the ideas of the rule of human rights, democracy, and this was actually an important choice for the Kyrgyz people."{{Cite web |title=Атамбаев и Гутерриш сделали заявление прессе |url=https://195.38.160.220/news/atambaev-i-guterresh-sdelali-zaiavlenie-presse/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=КНИА «Кабар» |language=ru }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:Biometric elections in Kyrgyzstan.png

In November 2015, the Ministry of Defense was re-branded as the State Committee for Defense Affairs on Atambayev's orders while transferring authority over the Armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic to the General Staff, with the Chief of the General Staff exercising his/her authority as the paramount leader of the military and the second in command to the president.{{cite web|url=http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/47844|title=Указ Президента Кыргызстана "Об образовании Государственного комитета Республики Кыргызстан по делам обороны"|publisher=minjust.gov.kg|date=2000-10-08|access-date=2019-06-11}} In December 2016, Atambayev signed a decree officially abolishing the use of military courts in Kyrgyzstan.{{Cite web|url=https://knews.kg/2016/12/27/voennye-sudy-v-kyrgyzstane-likvidiruyut/|title=Военные суды в Кыргызстане ликвидируют|date=27 December 2016|access-date=8 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/111498|title=Закон КР от 23 декабря 2016 года № 217 "О внесении изменений в некоторые законодательные акты Кыргызской Республики"|website=cbd.minjust.gov.kg|access-date=8 August 2019}} Atambaev presided over a constitutional referendum which proposed that the increasing the powers of the Prime Minister and his/her government, as well as reforms to the judicial system. International experts positively assessed the transition to a parliamentary form of government by constitutional reform, the strengthening of the role of the prime minister and parliament thanks to the constitutional reform, as well as the fact that it was supposed to stabilize the institution of power as opposed to the growing spread of Islamist ideology in the country.{{Cite web |last=Vasilivetsky |first=Aleksei |title=Еще сдержаннее. Зачем в Киргизии опять меняют Конституцию |trans-title=Even More Restrained: Why Kyrgyzstan Is Changing Its Constitution Again |url=https://carnegiemoscow.org/commentary/66363 |access-date=2022-08-22 |work=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace |language=ru}} It also clarified the validity of the marriage contract in Kyrgyzstan as laid out by the previous constitution.{{cite web|author=Venice Commission|title=Kyrgyz Republic - Endorsed joint opinion on the draft law|work=Council of Europe|date=14–15 October 2016|url=http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-PI%282016%29009-e#}} The changes were approved with a landslide majority of close to 80% of the Kyrgyz population.{{Cite web |title=КР шайлоо жана референдум өткөрүү боюнча борбордук комиссиясы - КР БШК |url=https://shailoo.gov.kg/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=shailoo.gov.kg}}

Atambayev chose to step away from the second presidential term and abide the Constitution despite Russian president Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev asking him to stay in power:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev asked me to stay for a second term, but I explained that I could not, because we have a different people. People will choose the one whom they consider the most worthy."{{Cite web |title=Алмазбек Атамбаев: Путин и Назарбаев просили меня остаться на второй срок |url=https://rus.ozodi.org/a/28149706.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Радио Озоди |date=December 2016 |language=ru}}

File:Martin Schulz and Central Asia.png, president of European Parliament, called Atambaev "a guarantor of democracy in Kyrgyzstan."]]According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Kyrgyzstan rose from 159th place in 2010 to 89th in 2017, gaining 70 positions in seven years—second only to Fiji in progress on freedom of speech during that period.{{Cite web |title=Index {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/index |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=rsf.org |language=en}} By the end of Atambaev`s presidency in 2017, Kyrgyzstan’s RSF score (69.08) was on par with that of Greece (69.11), a European Union member, and surpassed the scores of countries such as Israel, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and North Macedonia. {{Cite web |title=Index {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/index |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=rsf.org |language=en}} Kyrgyzstan also topped the regional list of countries for freedom of speech in Central Asian region.{{Cite web |date=2017-11-06 |title=Атамбаев: Кыргызстан возглавляет в регионе список стран по свободе слова |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/28837367.html |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Радио Азаттык (Кыргызская служба Радио Свободная Европа/Радио Свобода) |language=ru}}

Following the April People's Revolution in 2010 and the fall of the Bakiyev regime, the transition to a new government with a strong role played by social democrats led to an immediate improvement, with Kyrgyzstan rising to 109th place in 2011 alone. These advances were credited not only to press freedom but also to institutional reforms, including the strengthening of the parliamentary system and the introduction of biometric elections.

Under Almazbek Atambayev's leadership, significant strides were made in gender equality in Kyrgyzstan. A 33% quota for women's representation in parliamentary lists was introduced. Additionally, a 30% quota for women's representation in local councils was established, increasing female political participation.{{Cite web |work=UNDP |date=2016 |title=Борьба с гендерным неравенством в политическом участии в Кыргызской Республике |url=https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/kg/rus-cs-pp.pdf}}

During Atambaev's presidency women were also appointed to top positions for the first time in history - such as General Prosecutor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Chair of the Defense Committee in Parliament.{{Cite web |last=Podolskaya |first=Daria |date=2018-03-08 |title=Министры, прокуроры, депутаты. Топ-10 женщин в политике Кыргызстана - |url=https://24.kg/vlast/77991_ministryi_prokuroryi_deputatyi_top-10_jenschin_vpolitike_kyirgyizstana_/ |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=24.kg |language=ru-RU}}

File:Pro-Secularist Banner in Muslim Country.png

Key laws were passed, including the Maternity Law, the Domestic Violence Law, and social benefits for childbirth. Mother's Day was officially established as a national holiday.{{Cite web |title=день матери кыргызстан атамбаев - Google Search |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8C+%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8+%D0%BA%D1%8B%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%8B%D0%B7%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD+%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2&client=safari&sca_esv=6d4fb2762afaf7cd&rls=en&ei=Zm63ZqzNOJu_hbIPjP-qsQE&ved=0ahUKEwismOiCx-qHAxWbX0EAHYy_KhYQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8C+%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8+%D0%BA%D1%8B%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%8B%D0%B7%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD+%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiO9C00LXQvdGMINC80LDRgtC10YDQuCDQutGL0YDQs9GL0LfRgdGC0LDQvSDQsNGC0LDQvNCx0LDQtdCyMggQABiABBiiBDIIEAAYgAQYogQyCBAAGIAEGKIESNgLUGpY7QpwAXgBkAEAmAHWA6ABshCqAQcyLTYuMS4xuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIIoAKMDcICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgUQIRigAcICBRAhGJ8FwgIHECEYoAEYCpgDAIgGAZAGBJIHBzEuMC42LjGgB4Mb&sclient=gws-wiz-serp |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Google}}

Maternal and child health centers, mammology centers, women's oncology centers, and gynecological disease centers were built across the country, enhancing healthcare for women.

In addition, Atambayev actively pursued a secular policy, opposing the processes of Islamization in the country, thereby supporting the principle of separation of religion and state.{{Cite news |date=2016-07-26 |title=В Кыргызстане подожгли баннер, появление которого вызвало дискуссии |url=https://rus.azattyq.org/a/27880646.html |access-date=2023-08-22 |work=Радио Азаттык |language=ru}} Despite public pressure from Islamic theologians and the muftiate, Atambayev spoke out in defense of the rights of Kyrgyz women to dress as they wish:

"Listen, since the 50s, women in Kyrgyzstan have been wearing miniskirts, but none of these women have ever thought of putting on a suicide belt and blowing someone up. Go ahead and wear a tarpaulin boot on your head, but don't blow anyone up. Because that's not a religion. The essence of every religion is kindness, a kind attitude towards people. If you think that someone's head should be cut off or that someone should be forced to wear what they should wear, that's not a religion. We must fight this. Let them wear miniskirts, but don't blow anyone up. Because the main problem in the world today is terrorism."{{Cite web |title=Атамбаев: Пусть лучше ходят в мини-юбках, но никого не взрывают |url=https://www.asiaplustj.info/ru/news/tajikistan/politics/20160802/228994 |access-date=2024-08-10 |work=ASIA-Plus }}

File:Mogherini and region of Central Asia.png recognized “the indisputable merits of Almazbek Atambayev in the comprehensive improvement of the electoral process in the republic, as well as the development of democratic institutions”.]]

File:Hollande - France and Kyrgyzstan.png

A landmark event during the work of Almazbek Atambayev is also the introduction of biometric passports and a biometric electoral system that ensured the transparency of elections and excluded the possibility for one citizen to vote several times. It became possible to vote only after identifying your fingerprint.{{Cite web |title=Атамбаев: биометрические паспорта обеспечат транспарентность выборов |url=http://politmer.kg/promise/629 |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=politmer.kg}} During Atambayev's presidency, the country introduced a system of participation in elections based on biometric data, which dramatically increased the transparency of the voting procedure and eliminated many opportunities for falsification. The 2014 law "On Biometric Registration of Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic" played an important role in the development of the institution of democratic elections.{{Cite news |title=Monitors Praise Kyrgyz Elections |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/social-democrats-win-kyrgyzstans-parliamentary-elections/27288300.html |access-date=2022-12-19 |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=5 October 2015 |language=en}}

The European Union assisted Kyrgyzstan in organizing the parliamentary (2015) elections, which were found to be fair and competitive.{{Cite news |date=2015-10-05 |title=Monitors Praise Kyrgyz Elections |language=en |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/social-democrats-win-kyrgyzstans-parliamentary-elections/27288300.html |access-date=2023-05-07}} Atambayev negotiated this assistance during his visit to Brussels during negotiations with the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy in 2013.{{Cite web |last=Bengard |first=Anastasia |date=2013-09-19 |title=В Европу за демократией |url=https://24.kg/archive/ru/politic/161017-v-evropu-za-demokratiej.html/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=24.kg |language=ru-RU}} Also at that time, Atambayev had an active dialogue with the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso.{{Cite web|url=https://sng.today/bishkek/5031-federika-mogerini-priznala-zaslugi-atambaeva-v-razvitii-demokraticheskih-institutov-v-kirgizii.html|title=Федерика Могерини признала заслуги Атамбаева в развитии демократических институтов в Киргизии|website=SNG.TODAY|access-date=2023-11-03}}

In many cases, the Prosecutor General's Office of Kyrgyzstan has often acted on Atambayev's behalf to represents his interests.{{Cite news|title=Активисты потребовали от Атамбаева прекратить преследования правозащитников|url=http://zanoza.kg/doc/338409_aktivisty_potrebovali_ot_atambaeva_prekratit_presledovaniia_pravozashitnikov.html|work=Заноза|access-date=2019-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730020009/http://zanoza.kg/doc/338409_aktivisty_potrebovali_ot_atambaeva_prekratit_presledovaniia_pravozashitnikov.html|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=dead}} They were often dictated by the fact that the leadership of Kazakhstan interfered in the electoral process in Kyrgyzstan, especially after president of Kazakhstan met with one of the opposition leaders a month before the elections.{{Cite news |title=Бишкек "недоумевает" из-за встречи Назарбаева с Бабановым |url=https://rus.azattyq.org/a/kyrgyzstan-nota-vstrecha-nazarbaeva-s-babanovym/28746284.html |access-date=2022-08-22 |work=Радио Азаттык |date=21 September 2017 |language=ru }}

Federica Mogherini, during a visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2017, recognized “the indisputable merits of Almazbek Atambayev in the comprehensive improvement of the electoral process in the republic, as well as the development of democratic institutions”.

File:Merkel - first visit to Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan.png

In 2011 soon after becoming President, Atambayev travelled to Turkey and signed an agreement with the Turkish President Abdullah Gül agreeing to increase trade from $300 million in 2011 to $1 billion by 2015, with Turkey also agreeing to attract Turkish investment to Kyrgyzstan to the amount of $450 million within the next few years.{{cite news|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/NA20Ag03.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119120826/http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/NA20Ag03.html|url-status=unfit|archive-date=19 January 2012|title=Atambayev's Turkish affair needs domestic peace |newspaper=Atimes|date=20 January 2012|access-date=13 March 2013}} Atambayev visited Brussels as president 4 times - in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016. From March 22 to April 1, 2015, Atambayev's tour of European countries (Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, Germany) took place, during which numerous agreements were reached on deepening and developing relations in various fields - from cultural exchange to investment cooperation . The EU has provided ongoing support to Kyrgyzstan in democratic reforms: within the framework of the agreements reached by Atambayev, within the framework of bilateral cooperation for the period 2014-2020. The EU has allocated EUR 184 million to the Kyrgyz Republic for the development of three key sectors - education, the rule of law and rural development.{{Cite web |last=Bengard |first=Anastasia |date=2015-03-20 |title=Чезаре Де Монтис: Евросоюз обязался предоставить Кыргызстану 184 миллиона евро в течение семи лет - |url=https://24.kg/ekonomika/9197_chezare_de_montis_evrosoyuz_obyazalsya_predostavit_kyirgyizstanu_184_milliona_evro_v_techenie_semi_let/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=24.kg |language=ru-RU}}

Angela Merkel's visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015 was the first visit of the Federal Chancellor to this country in the history of the independent Kyrgyz Republic and the first visit of Federal Chancellor of Germany to Central Asian region in history.{{Cite news |date=14 July 2016 |title=Merkel In Kyrgyzstan For 'Historic' Visit |language=en |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/merkel-kyrgyzstan/27857644.html |access-date=2022-12-19}}

Kyrgyzstan also received GSP+ status with European Union under Almazbek Atambayev in 2015. To retain GSP+ status, Kyrgyzstan must comply with 27 international conventions. 7 of them relate to human rights - protecting the rights of children, eliminating discrimination against women and minorities, protecting freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, the right to a fair trial, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, as well as economic, cultural and social rights.{{Cite web |title=Кыргызстан и ВСП+: двери открыты, но войти в них трудно |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/kyrgyzstan_es_vsp_ekonomika/29625883.html |access-date=2022-08-23 |work=Радио Азаттык|date=28 November 2018 |language=ru}}

In 2013, he launched a tirade against the United Kingdom, accusing it undermined democracy by allowing Bakiyev's son, Maxim to live in London:{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Maxton |date=14 July 2013 |title=Kyrgyz president attacks UK for 'hosting a guy who robbed us' |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/14/kyrgyzstan-president-atambayev-maxim-bakiyev |access-date=9 August 2019}}

{{blockquote|quote="Is Britain hosting the kids of [Muammar] Gaddafi or Bashar al-Assad? Why are there double standards against Kyrgyzstan? Britain is saying: 'We want to help with democratic development in Kyrgyzstan.' That's a lie. You're hosting a guy who robbed us. We could use that money to fund fair elections".}}

In February 2015, tension with Belarus arose over the death of Almanbet Anapiyaev, aged 41, whose death Atambayev blamed solely on former Security Service chief Janish Bakiyev, who was being sheltered in Minsk alongside his father. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry responded by saying that it "makes no sense" to comment on his statement.{{Cite web|url=https://eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-and-belarus-clash-over-bakiyevs-again|title=Kyrgyzstan and Belarus Clash over Bakiyevs Again|work=Eurasianet|access-date=9 August 2019}}

In May 2015, during a Victory Day meeting of CSTO leaders in Moscow, Atambayev took part in an argument with President Islam Karimov over the issue of water resources of Central Asia.{{Cite web|url=https://eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-celebrates-victory-day-in-russias-shadow|title=Kyrgyzstan Celebrates Victory Day in Russia's Shadow |work=Eurasianet|access-date=23 June 2020}} Later that year, he met with supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran underlining that "Iran and Kyrgyzstan are two brotherly nations with a common religion, history and culture and there is a spirit of pursuing freedom and independence among both nations."{{Cite web|url=https://english.khamenei.ir/news/2131/Leader-meets-with-President-of-Kyrgyzstan|title = Leader meets with President of Kyrgyzstan|date = 5 September 2015}}

File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Kyrgyz President Atambaev in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (22454204010).jpg John Kerry in 2015]]

During the 2017 Kyrgyz presidential election, Atambayev accused Kazakhstan of sponsoring Ömürbek Babanov, who was one of the presidential candidates. He also accused Kazakhstan officials for being corrupt by looting the pensioners income. On 9 October 2017, Atambayev announced that he wouldn't attend the CIS heads of state summit in Sochi, which would have required the Kyrgyz leader to meet Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan-atambaev-nazarbaev-aged-president/28855520.html|title=Kyrgyz President Continues Kazakh War of Words|work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|access-date=2017-11-16}} That same month, he visited the Uzbek capital of Tashkent in a breakthrough visit for a Kyrgyz leader.{{cite web|url=http://tashkenttimes.uz/national/1520-almazbek-atambayev-arrives-in-uzbekistan|title=Almazbek Atambayev arrives in Uzbekistan|author=Akbar Yusupov}}

Atambaev announced Kyrgyzstan's entry into the Customs Union, secured the withdrawal of the American military base from the country in 2014, and has spoken of the need for closer economic relations with the Russian Federation, which employs at least 500,000 citizens of Kyrgyzstan;Itar Tass 1 November 2011 however, he also expressed his wish to achieve greater economic and energy independence from it.{{cite news |date=29 December 2011 |title=Atambayev reviews 2011 achievements |url=http://centralasiaonline.com/en_GB/articles/caii/features/main/2011/12/29/feature-02 |access-date=13 March 2013 |work=Central Asia Online}}

File:Atambayev and Nazarbayev.jpg in the 2015 SCO Summit in Ufa]]

Atambayev firmly stated that the Russian military base would also be withdrawn from the country. Atambayev said:

“In the future, Kyrgyzstan should rely and hope only on its armed forces, and not on the military bases of Russia, America or another country. We must build our own army.”{{Cite web |url=https://eurasia.expert/zayavlenie-atambaeva-o-vyvode-rossiyskoy-bazy/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |work=eurasia.expert |title=Что стоит за заявлением Атамбаева о выводе российской базы из Кыргызстана }}

File:1916 memorial of Cetnral Asian uprising.png

Almazbek Atambayev is the only Central Asian president in the history of the region who honored the memory of the victims of the 1916 massacre carried out by soldiers of the Russian Empire. This event, known as the Urkun or Central Asian Revolt of 1916, was a tragic page in the history of the region. The opening of the monument became a symbol of respect and memory of those terrible events. Atambayev's actions underscored the importance of historical memory and unity in the face of past injustices, and the decision was seen as a significant step towards national reconciliation and strengthening the identity of the peoples of Central Asia.{{Cite web |date=2017-08-03 |title=Атамбаев: Восстание 1916 года и Уркун разбудили самосознание народа |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/28656142.html |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=Радио Азаттык |language=ru}} On September 17, 2016, the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan - Almazbek Atambayev, Russia - Vladimir Putin, Armenia - Serzh Sargsyan and Prime Minister of Moldova Pavel Filip honored the memory of the victims by laying flowers at the Memorial to those killed in 1916 in the Ata-Beyit memorial complex.{{Cite web |date=2017-01-05 |title=Коротко о фильме "Уркун" и не только о нем |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/urkun_1916_film_by-atanaliev_and_uchkeev_blog_ru/28214642.html |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=Радио Азаттык |language=ru}}

In October 2017, Atambayev signed a law establishing, in memory of the uprising and exodus of the Kyrgyz people, the “Day of History and Remembrance of Ancestors,” celebrated on November 7–8.

In 2015, Atambayev abandoned the use of the Ribbon of Saint George, which was used in post-Soviet countries and Russia, as a symbol of memory of the 1916 uprising.{{Cite web |author1=Махинур НИЯЗОВА |author2=Анастасия БЕНГАРД |date=2015-04-08 |title=Георгиевская лента: отменить нельзя оставить - |url=https://24.kg/perekrestok/10353_georgievskaya_lenta_otmenit_nelzya_ostavit/ |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=24.kg |language=ru-RU}} This sparked protests among the Russian-speaking population in Kyrgyzstan.

File:WNG_Kyrgyzstan.png

Atambayev supported the launch of World Nomad Games in 2014 it in order to preserve and popularize the nomadic traditions of Central Asia.{{Cite web |title=атамбаев всемирные игры - Google Search |url=https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=105586032dadb976&rls=en&q=%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2+%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5+%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%80%D1%8B&tbm=nws&source=lnms&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J_86uWOeqwdnV0yaSF-x2jo6Ttnu6iRjjgGjARfLolnBxwfCgbMJhqRa3BtPLzlIdwE1cU58W5aNPjvgQAqxhFfItrlfNzOKuaaMyldVwSol2h6U4QUx3ax9SmhSWK6kCZHBTHE&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiB4-Ls8diHAxXWg_0HHTEYNnIQ0pQJegQIDRAB&biw=1152&bih=656&dpr=1 |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=Google}} The World Nomad Games have become a platform for demonstrating the cultural heritage, sports skills and traditional sports of nomadic nations, promoting the strengthening of cultural ties and mutual understanding between the peoples of different countries.{{Cite web |date=2014-09-09 |title=А.Атамбаев: Игры кочевников укрепят дружбу и взаимопонимание между нашими народами |url=https://kg.akipress.org/news:602612 |access-date=2024-08-03 |work=AKI Press}} The project was supported by UNESCO.{{Cite web |title=Всемирные Игры Кочевников 2024 |url=https://worldnomadgames.com/en/ |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=World Nomad Games |language=en}}

The first three World Nomad Games were held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The fourth games were held in Iznik, Turkey between September 29 and October 2, 2022.{{cite news |title=Team from Kyrgyzstan prepares for World Nomad Games in Turkey |url=https://24.kg/english/231700_Team_from_Kyrgyzstan_prepares_for_World_Nomad_Games_in_Turkey/ |agency=24kg}} The WNG of 2024 will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan (September 8–13).

Atambayev personally led the Kyrgyz national team on the opening ceremony of the first World Nomad Games in 2014 and 2016 in order to popularize the event.

File:Official meeting ceremony of President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbeh Atambayev was held 11.jpg and Mehriban Aliyeva in 2012|alt=|left]]

Since he left office on 24 November 2017 and handed the presidency to his successor and former prime minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov, he has served as head of the SDPK. In his post presidency he got back to the political arena, most notably by criticizing his own successor. This criticism, which began in the spring of 2018, has mostly revolved around Jeenbekov's establishment of family clan regime.{{Cite web |title=Атамбаев: Нельзя допустить семейно-кланового правления |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/29149994.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Радио Азаттык |date=6 April 2018 |language=ru}} By that time, the media began to dazzle with headlines about the family-clan regime of Jeenbekov and dozens of his relatives in the highest state apparatus, embassies and parliament.{{Cite web |title=Клан Жээнбековых. Что известно о родственниках президента и с какими семьями они связаны |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/392019_klan_jeenbekovyh._chto_izvestno_o_rodstvennikah_prezidenta_i_s_kakimi_semiami_oni_sviazany.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Kaktus |date=9 July 2019 |language=ru}}{{Cite web |title=В чем провинились родственники Жээнбекова? |url=https://www.vb.kg/doc/374994_v_chem_provinilis_rodstvenniki_jeenbekova.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Вечерний Бишкек|date=21 November 2018 }}{{Cite web |title="Черный июль" — коррупция, бедность, крах Жээнбекова |url=https://kg.akipress.org/news:1688565 |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=kg.akipress.org}} On 17 March, he expressed regret by saying: "I apologize to everyone for bringing this person to power".{{Cite web|url=https://kaktus.media/doc/388382_atambaev:_proshy_prosheniia_pered_vsemi_chto_privel_takogo_cheloveka_k_vlasti._ia_vse_ispravlu.html|title=Атамбаев: Прошу прощения перед всеми, что привел такого человека к власти. Я все исправлю|work=Кактус|date=17 March 2019 |access-date=9 August 2019}}

In June 2019, MPs voted to strip Atambayev of his presidential immunity and called for the pursuit of criminal charges on him.

Before that, in February, Head of Constitutional Chamber Erkinbek Mamyrov publicly made a statement that “there is no retroactivity of law” and Almazbek Atambaev can not be deprived{{Cite web |title=Неприкосновенность экс-президента КР: Вопрос поставили ребром? |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/kyrgyzstan_ex_presidents_immunity/29788805.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Радио Азаттык |date=25 February 2019 |language=ru}} of presidential immunity in accordance with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic of May 15, 2019 on amendments to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Guarantees for the Activities of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic”. For these statements, the chairman of the Constitutional Chamber Mamyrov was replaced by an assistant to the president's brother - Asylbek Jeenbekov - in parliament.{{Cite web |title=Конституционная палата и Атамбаев: экс-помощника Жээнбекова оставили, Мамырова удалили |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/399898_konstitycionnaia_palata_i_atambaev:_eks_pomoshnika_jeenbekova_ostavili_mamyrova_ydalili.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Kaktus|date=23 October 2019 |language=ru}}

In response, Atambayev told reporters at his residence in Koy-Tash that he would wait for decision of Constitutional Chamber and protect his constitutional rights: "The Constitutional Court must put an end to the question of the legality or illegality of interrogation".{{Cite web |date=2019-07-31 |title=Атамбаев: Конституционный суд должен поставить точку в вопросе законности или незаконности допроса |url=https://kg.akipress.org/news:1559563 |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=AKI Press}} He announced "stand to the end" against the family clan regime of Jeenbekov.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/6/27/kyrgyzstan-strips-ex-leader-of-immunity-paves-way-for-charges|title=Kyrgyzstan strips ex-leader of immunity, paves way for charges|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=8 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/06/atambayev-loses-immunity-supporters-gather-to-resist/|title=Atambayev Loses Immunity, Supporters Gather to Resist|first=Catherine|last=Putz|work=The Diplomat|access-date=8 August 2019}} Since then, he remained in his residence while publicly stating that he will wait for the decision of Constitutional Chamber and ready to "fight back" if police comes breaking the law and not abiding the decision of Constitutional Court.{{Cite web|url=https://www.occrp.org/en/27-ccwatch/cc-watch-briefs/10084-ex-kyrgyz-president-i-ll-fight-back-if-police-come-to-arrest-me|title=Ex-Kyrgyz President: I'll Fight Back if Police Come to Arrest Me|first=Annie|last=Todd|work=OCCRP|access-date=8 August 2019}} At that time he was still guarded by state security officers, since his complaint to Constitutional Court was under consideration.

On 3 July, Atambaev left his residence for the first time in weeks to speak at a rally of 1,000 of his supporters who called for all the charges to be dropped.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyz-deputy-interior-minister-visits-atambaev-s-compound-after-he-ignores-subpoenas/30069611.html|title=Kyrgyz Deputy Interior Minister Visits Atambaev's Compound After He Ignores Subpoenas|work=RFE/RL|access-date=8 August 2019}} On 24 July, he began a two-day visit to Russia with a delegation from the SDPK after departing on a Sukhoi Superjet 100 at Kant Air Base (operated by the Russian Air Force) at 1:48 pm that day.{{Cite web|url=https://m.akipress.com/news:622532/|title=AKIpress News Agency|work=Akipress|access-date=8 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSD932buAGc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/rSD932buAGc |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Атамбаев: Я, наверное, улечу в Россию в эту среду|access-date=8 August 2019|via=Youtube}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/under-pressure-in-kyrgzystan-atambayev-flies-to-russia/|title=Under Pressure in Kyrgzystan, Atambayev Flies to Russia|first=Catherine|last=Putz|work=The Diplomat|access-date=8 August 2019}} During the visit, he met with President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.{{Cite web|url=https://m.akipress.com/news:622556/|title=Putin: People of Kyrgyzstan should consolidate around incumbent President|work=AKIpress News Agency|access-date=8 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/61094|title=Statement following meeting with Almazbek Atambayev|work=President of Russia|date=24 July 2019 |access-date=8 August 2019}}

File:Assasination Attempt on Atambaev.png

During the period of work (March 2007 – November 2007) as the Prime Minister, an assassination attempt on 11 May 2007 through poisoning was made on Atambaev. As Turkish doctors from the military medical hospital in Ankara later confirmed, the poisoning was caused by a poison of unknown origin.{{Cite web |date=2007-06-18 |title=Турецкие медики подтвердили факт отравления премьера Киргизии |url=https://www.trend.az/casia/kyrgyzstan/942819.html |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Trend.Az |language=ru}} Almazbek Atambayev suggested: "I probably have many enemies now. There are many offended, apparently. Because of my attempts to nationalize the Kristall semiconductor materials plant, they threaten me with physical violence."{{Cite web |date=2007-06-15 |title=Премьер Киргизии лечится от родины |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/774614 |access-date=2023-01-30 |work=Kommersant |language=ru}} Assumptions were made that people from the presidential administration could be involved in the poisoning of Atambayev - the president's son and big businessman Maxim Bakiyev and the president's brother Janish Bakiyev, who served as deputy chairman of the State Committee.

In the presidential elections in July 2009, where Atambaev was an only candidate from united opposition bloc, he was again poisoned on the eve of a meeting with voters in the Bazarkorgon district of the Jalalabad region. After breakfast at a local hotel, the single opposition candidate left for a scheduled meeting with voters, but felt unwell on the way.{{Cite web |date=2009-08-07 |title=Киргизские выборы вписали в историю болезни |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/1216821 |access-date=2023-01-30 |work=Kommersant |language=ru}} According to the explanations of the oppositionist, he could not imagine what the illness would lead to, and therefore did not cancel the meeting. But when getting out of the car, Almazbek Atambayev felt a loss of coordination of movements. "He felt terrible, his nails turned brown, he was vomiting and dizzy," - Atambayev's spokesman, Zhomart Saparbayev, said. Atambaev was again undergoing treatment in Turkey.{{Cite web |date=2009-08-06 |title=Киргизского оппозиционера Атамбаева отравили |url=https://tengrinews.kz/unsort/kirgizskogo-oppozitsionera-atambaeva-otravili-21821/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Tengrinews.kz |language=ru}}

Kursan Asanov, vice-minister of Internal Affairs and head of Atambaev's arrest operation, told that during the storm of his residence in August 2019, when more than a thousand of representatives of law enforcement agencies stormed his house in Koy-Tash village, there was an order "not to take ex-president Atambaev alive".{{Cite web |date=2020-10-08 |title=Атамбаев не должен был выжить во время штурма в Кой-Таше, - Курсан Асанов о приказе властей |url=https://kg.akipress.org/news:1652046 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=Akipress}}

During the events of October 2020, during the rally of the united opposition, which was led by Almazbek Atambayev and Omurbek Babanov, Atambayev's car was fired upon.{{Cite web |title=Соратники Атамбаева сообщили о покушении на него |url=https://www.dw.com/ru/sovetnica-atambaeva-utverzhdaet-chto-na-nego-soversheno-pokushenie/a-55219806 |access-date=2023-01-30 |work=DW |language=ru}} The video of assassination attempt went viral in social networks.{{Cite web |date=2020-10-09 |title=Покушение на Атамбаева |url=https://iz.ru/1071793/video/pokushenie-na-atambaeva |access-date=2023-01-30 |work=Izvestia |language=ru}}

File:Kursan Asanov, head of Kyrgyz Ministry of Interior.png

Kursan Asanov, vice-minister of Internal Affairs and head of Atambaev's arrest operation, told that during the storm of his residence in August 2019, when more than a thousand of representatives of law enforcement agencies stormed his house in Koy-Tash village, there was an order "not to take ex-president Atambaev alive". The population of the country, and especially population of Chui valley, understanding the absurdity of the accusations against ex-president Atambayev and sensibly assessing the attacks of the authorities on the SDPK, as pressure on the opposition, sided with ex-president Atambaev.{{Cite news |title=Экс-президент Кыргызстана Алмазбек Атамбаев арестован. В страну вернулся политик Бабанов |language=ru |work=BBC News Русская служба |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/news-49289520 |access-date=2023-05-07}} On 7 August 2019, the Special Forces of Kyrgyzstan attacked Atambayev's residence in Bishkek.{{Cite web|url=https://information.tv5monde.com/info/les-forces-speciales-kirghizes-attaquent-la-residence-de-l-ex-president-atambaiev-315096|title=Les forces spéciales kirghizes attaquent la résidence de l'ex-président Atambaïev|date=2019-08-07|work=TV5 MONDE|language=fr|access-date=2019-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807214234/https://information.tv5monde.com/info/les-forces-speciales-kirghizes-attaquent-la-residence-de-l-ex-president-atambaiev-315096|archive-date=7 August 2019|url-status=dead}} As a result of the attack, one soldier died and hundreds of civilians and military personnel were injured.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/world/1072386/amp|title=Kyrgyz special forces storm house of ex-President Atambayev|agency=TASS|access-date=8 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyz-police-storm-ex-president-s-house-near-bishkek/30097824.html|title=One Dead As Kyrgyz Forces Leave Ex-President's Compound|work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|access-date=8 August 2019}} In a meeting of the Security Council, Jeenbekov accused Atambayev of "rudely violating the constitution".{{Cite web|url=http://president.kg/ru/sobytiya/14734_prezident_sooronbay_gheenbekov_provel_zasedanie_soveta_bezopasnosti_kirgizskoy_respubliki|title=События - Официальный сайт Президента Кыргызской Республики|website=president.kg|access-date=8 August 2019}} A second raid was launched the next day, after which Atambayev surrendered to security forces.{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/former-kyrgyz-president-detained-after-second-raid/|title=Former Kyrgyz President Detained After Second Raid|first=Catherine|last=Putz|work=The Diplomat|access-date=8 August 2019}} On August 9, 2019, special forces illegally arrested the office of the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan and April TV channel, which voiced the opposition agenda to the population.{{Cite web |last=Schlager |first=Alexander |date=2021-05-12 |title=rr88 |url=https://rr88l.ink |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=rr88l.ink |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Арестовали здание "Форума", в котором расположены штаб СДПК и "Апрель" (видео) |url=https://vesti.kg/politika/item/63569-arestovali-zdanie-foruma-v-kotorom-raspolozheny-shtab-sdpk-i-aprel.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=vesti.kg |language=ru-ru}} All documents of the party, all organizational equipment and other property belonging to the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan were illegally confiscated. Having received information about SDPK members throughout the country on the computers and servers of the SDPK, the special services began to call all SDPK members throughout the country for interrogations and exerted strong pressure.{{Cite web |title="В кабинете начальника сидел Алтуха". Алга Кылычев о давлении и пытках в тюрьме |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/434085_v_kabinete_nachalnika_sidel_altyha._alga_kylychev_o_davlenii_i_pytkah_v_turme.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Kaktus |language=ru}} Subsequently, 1,700 people sent an appeal to the General Prosecutor's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic with a request to initiate a criminal case against President Sooronbai Jeenbekov for his illegal actions. In response to this, on the contrary, all these 1,700 people began to be called in for interrogations and they were exerted to strong pressure, by uttering warnings and threats.{{Cite web |title=События в Кой-Таше: СДПК не довольна решением Госкомиссии |url=https://www.for.kg/news-627292-ru.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=For.kg}}{{Cite web |title=Военная прокуратура допросит все 1,7 тыс. человек, обратившихся в Генпрокуратуру по событиям в Кой-Таше |url=https://kabar.kg/news/voennaia-prokuratura-doprosit-vse-1-7-tys-chelovek-obrativshikhsia-v-genprokuraturu-po-sobytiiam-v-koi-tashe/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=КНИА «Кабар» |language=ru}}

File:Koy tash storming 2019.png

On 13 August, Orozbek Opumbayev, the head of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), said Atambayev was plotting to topple the government before he was taken into custody.{{cite web|url=https://akipress.com/news:623591:Former_president_of_Kyrgyzstan_Almazbek_Atambayev_suspected_of_mass_riots,_hostage-taking_and_murder/|title=Former president of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev suspected of mass riots, hostage-taking and murder|access-date=13 August 2019|publisher=AKIpress}} On 23 June 2020, he was sentenced to 11 years in jail for corruption on the Batukaev case.{{cite web |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/amphtml/kyrgyzstan-ex-leader-jailed-corruption-102509942--spt.html |title=Kyrgyzstan ex-leader jailed for corruption |website=au.news.yahoo.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627141754/https://au.news.yahoo.com/amphtml/kyrgyzstan-ex-leader-jailed-corruption-102509942--spt.html |archive-date=2020-06-27}}{{Cite web|last=Putz|first=Catherine|date=2020-08-20|title=Kyrgyz Court Unsurprisingly Upholds Rulings Against Atambayev and Isakov|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/08/kyrgyz-court-unsurprisingly-upholds-rulings-against-atambayev-and-isakov/|access-date=2020-08-22|work=The Diplomat|language=en-US}}

On the November 25-27 2022 on Congress of Socialist International in Madrid, the declaration on Kyrgyzstan has been accepted by 93 political parties that stated: “Non-investigation by the procurator and the court of the facts of inflicting severe injuries and the use of brute force using weapons, including cold weapons, against 1,700 civilians in Koi-Tash on August 7–8, suggests an unfair trial, the purpose of which is to cover up the crimes of the previous heads of special services - Opumbaev and Zhunushaliev. The Socialist International notes that these actions of the armed forces against the civilian population fall under the articles of “war crime”, as well as “crime against humanity”, which is an internationally investigated case. If the statements of the affected citizens continue to be ignored, the organization will be forced to assist in the international investigation.”{{Cite web |title=Declaration on Kyrgyzstan |url=https://www.socialistinternational.org/congresses/xxvi-congress-of-the-socialist-international-madrid/declaration-on-kyrgyzstan/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Socialist International |language=en}} His son Kadyrbek Atambaev told about torture on the Congress of Socialist International.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-28 |title=На съезде Социнтерна в Мадриде рассказали о давлении на СМИ в Кыргызстане |trans-title=At the Socialist International Congress in Madrid, pressure on the media in Kyrgyzstan was discussed. |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/471432_na_sezde_socinterna_v_madride_rasskazali_o_davlenii_na_smi_v_kyrgyzstane.html |access-date=2024-05-29 |work=Kaktus |language=ru}}

Almazbek Atambaev was sentenced to a criminal term in case of Batukaev's release and alleged involvement in the jailbreak of the gangster Batukaev, although there was no evidence in the case that Batukaev and Atambaev were somehow personally connected and supported contacts.{{Cite web |title=Дело Батукаева: Адвокаты Атамбаева спустя два года обратились в Верховный суд |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/31995403.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Радио Азаттык |language=ru}} All court proceedings on Atambaev were conducted not in the official court chamber, but in the prison of State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyz Republic, where no journalists or even relatives were allowed since the case was classified.{{Cite web |last=ДЖУМАШОВА |first=Аида |date=2019-12-03 |title=Освобождение Батукаева. МВД засекретило некоторые показания и постановления - |trans-title=Batukayev’s release: The Ministry of Internal Affairs has classified certain testimonies and rulings. |url=https://24.kg/obschestvo/136712_osvobojdenie_batukaeva_mvd_zasekretilo_nekotoryie_pokazaniya_ipostanovleniya/ |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=24.kg |language=ru-RU}} In November 2020, the Judicial Collegium of the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic overturned the guilty verdict against A. Atambaev on the escape of Batukaev, since this verdict was passed with a large number of gross procedural violations (up to the point that the defendant was deprived of the right to the last word and to participate in court debate).{{Cite news |date=2023-02-14 |title=Kyrgyz ex-president released from prison, case to be reviewed |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kyrgyz-ex-president-released-prison-case-be-reviewed-2023-02-14/ |access-date=2023-05-07}}

File:Omurbek Suvanaliev, ex-head of special forces in Kyrgyzstan.png

On 5 October 2020, protests erupted with a crowd of 1,000 people,{{cite web |last1=Pannier |first1=Bruce |title=Backlash Against Kyrgyz Parliamentary Election Results Comes Instantly |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/backlash-against-kyrgyz-parliamentary-election-results-comes-instantly/30876459.html |work=Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty |access-date=5 October 2020}} that grew to at least 5,000 people by evening in Bishkek, the nation's capital, in protest against results and allegations of vote-buying in the October 2020 parliamentary election.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54422884|title=Thousands protest over Kyrgyzstan election result|date=5 October 2020|access-date=5 October 2020|work=BBC News}} In addition, protestors freed Atambayev from prison.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-54422884 |title=Kyrgyzstan election: Protesters storm parliament over vote-rigging claims |work=BBC |date=6 October 2020 }} On 8 October, Atambayev survived an assassination attempt in Bishkek after the car he was traveling in was shot at. After a failed assassination attempt on him, however, he was imprisoned again on 10 October.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2020 |title=Kirghizistan: Arrestato l'ex presidente Atambayev - Ultima Ora |url=https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2020/10/10/kirghizistan-arrestato-lex-presidente-atambayev_0b27c854-8bd9-4b69-a1c1-0d454350e4d7.html}}{{Cite web|title=Ex-Kyrgyz president Atambayev survives 'assassination attempt'|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/9/kyrgyzstan-president-declares-state-of-emergency-in-capital|access-date=2020-10-09|work=Al Jazeera|language=en}} He was imprisoned again on 10 October for participation in the 2020 Kyrgyz revolution turmoil, but later was acquitted of criminal charges.

According to Suvanaliev, the former chairman of the State Committee for National Security, Atambayev's arrest was dictated by the need to eliminate a political opponent, moreover, the previous authorities demanded imprisonment for the victims of the Koi-Tash events as a condition for the transfer of power. In addition, the authorities dictated large-scale detentions of opposition members on October 10, 2020.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-08 |title=Жээнбеков передал власть с условием осудить Атамбаева по кой-ташским событиям — Суваналиев |url=https://kloop.kg/blog/2022/10/08/zheenbekov-peredal-vlast-s-usloviem-osudit-atambaeva-po-koj-tashskim-sobytiyam-suvanaliev/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=KLOOP.KG |language=ru-RU}}

In August 2019, Atambayev was imprisoned, facing charges of corruption and manslaughter,{{Cite news |date=2019-08-13 |title=Kyrgyz ex-president arrested, accused of coup plan- state media |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kyrgyzstan-atambayev-idUKKCN1V30PA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813132410/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-kyrgyzstan-atambayev-idUKKCN1V30PA |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 August 2019 |access-date=2020-05-28}} but was later acquitted on them.{{Cite web |last=Асадов |first=Бахыт |date=17 June 2022 |title=Атамбаев оправдан по двум уголовным делам |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/31902595.html |access-date=10 July 2023 |work=Azattyk}} On 5 October 2020, election protestors freed him from prison.{{cite web |date=6 October 2020 |title=Opposition in Kyrgyzstan claims power after storming government buildings |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/06/asia/post-election-protests-kyrgyzstan-hnk-intl/index.html |work=CNN |quote=Protesters then broke into the headquarters of the State Committee on National Security and freed former president Almazbek Atambayev, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term this year on corruption charges after falling out with Jeenbekov, his successor.}} Atambayev was acquitted in all criminal cases against him in February 2023.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-17 |title=Атамбаев оправдан по двум уголовным делам |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/31902595.html |access-date=2023-07-24 |work=Радио Азаттык |language=ru}} On March 23, 2022, Atambaev's spine was damaged as a result of violence by the prison guards, and numerous abrasions and marks of beatings were found on his body, which was confirmed on March 25 by the state National Center for the Prevention of Torture of the Kyrgyz Republic{{Cite web |title=У Атамбаева синяки на ногах и руках. Наццентр по предупреждению пыток посетил колонию №47 |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/456916_y_atambaeva_siniaki_na_nogah_i_rykah._naccentr_po_predyprejdeniu_pytok_posetil_koloniu_47.html |access-date=2022-08-23 |work=Kaktus |language=ru}} and subsequently by a medical examination at the National Center for Cardiology.{{Cite web |title=У Алмазбека Атамбаева выявили сильное повреждение позвоночника |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/461689_y_almazbeka_atambaeva_vyiavili_silnoe_povrejdenie_pozvonochnika.html |access-date=2022-08-23 |work=Kaktus|language=ru}}

Atambayev was denied not only treatment, but even a serious medical examination. Only after the Secretary General of the Socialist International Luis Ayala made a special visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2022 and a special statement from the Socialist International was issued, Atambaev was briefly placed in a clinic for examination.{{Cite web |title=Алмазбека Атамбаева отправили на обследование в кардиологическую клинику (фото) |url=https://vesti.kg/politika/item/100200-almazbeka-atambaeva-otpravili-na-obsledovanie-v-kardiologicheskuyu-kliniku-foto.html |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=vesti.kg |language=ru-ru}}

In 2023, Atambayev was released on medical grounds and went into exile in Spain. In 2025, he was sentenced by a court in Kyrgyzstan in absentia to 11 years imprisonment for illicit enrichment, illegally acquiring land, and involvement in the 2019 Kyrgyz protests.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-02 |title=Kyrgyzstan court sentences ex-leader Atambayev to 11 years in absentia |work=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/4/kyrgyzstan-court-sentences-ex-leader-atambayev-to-11-years-in-absentia |access-date=4 June 2025 |language=en-US}}

File:Prime Minister of Spain and SI activities.png

On July 8 of 2022, Council of Socialist International (63 political parties around the world) made a statement, that “the manner in which the former president has been detained, tried and sentenced contravenes his legal and human rights as a defendant, violates the Kyrgyz Code of Criminal Procedure and breaches international judicial norms”.{{Cite web |title=SI Declaration in Support of Almazbek Atambayev |url=https://www.socialistinternational.org/news/press-releases/si-declaration-in-support-of-almazbek-atambayev-2062/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |work=Socialist International |language=en}} Despite the need for two operations on the esophagus, the need for which was concluded by the state National Center for Cardiology, where Atambayev was examined, to this day these operations have not been carried out. Atambayev was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.{{Cite web |last=Балкыбекова |first=Канышай |date=2022-08-17 |title=Алмазбеку Атамбаеву требуется лечение в Москве – адвокат |trans-title=Almazbek Atambayev requires treatment in Moscow – lawyer. |url=https://kloop.kg/blog/2022/08/17/almazbeku-atambaevu-trebuetsya-lechenie-v-moskve-advokat/ |access-date=2022-08-23 |work=KLOOP.KG - Новости Кыргызстана |language=ru-RU}} Later he was released with support of Socialist International President and prime-minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez and transported to Spain for medical operations.{{Cite web |title=Глава правительства Испании: Атамбаев может находиться на лечении, сколько потребуется |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/475590_glava_pravitelstva_ispanii:_atambaev_mojet_nahoditsia_na_lechenii_skolko_potrebyetsia.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Kaktus |language=ru}} Atambayev was acquitted in all criminal cases against him.{{Cite web |title=Атамбаев оправдан по двум уголовным делам |url=https://rus.azattyk.org/a/31902595.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Радио Азаттык |language=ru}}

German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Atambayev on the New Year 2020, while he was still in prison.{{Cite web |last=КЫЗЫ |first=Гульмира МАКАНБАЙ |date=2020-01-28 |title=Канцлер Германии Ангела Меркель прислала открытку семье Алмазбека Атамбаева - |url=https://24.kg/obschestvo/141867_kantsler_germanii_angela_merkel_prislala_otkryitku_seme_almazbeka_atambaeva/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=24.kg |language=ru-RU}}

• Presidential Order of Excellence (Georgia, 2013){{Cite web |date=2018-05-10 |title=State Awards Issued by Georgian Presidents in 2003-2015 |url=https://idfi.ge/en/state-prices-awarded-by-the-president-of-georgia-in-2003-2015 |access-date=2019-05-09 |work=Institute for Development of Freedom of Information}}
• Order of Dostyk I degree (Kazakhstan, 7 November 2014)
• Order of Alexander Nevsky (Russia, 17 September 2016){{Cite news |date=2016-09-17 |title=Путин наградил президента Киргизии Атамбаева орденом Александра Невского |url=https://ria.ru/world/20160917/1477190099.html |access-date=2017-10-13 |work=РИА Новости |language=ru}}
• Order "Friend of Azerbaijan" (Azerbaijan, 2016){{Cite web |title=Журнал "Мой Азербайджан" удостоил президента Кыргызстана орденом "Друг Азербайджана" |url=http://m.salamnews.org/ru/news/read/236715 |access-date=2017-10-13 |work=Salam News|language=ru}}
• Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic (2017)[http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/900133 Указ Президента Кыргызской Республики от 27 ноября 2017 года УП No. 1 «О присвоении высшей степени отличия „Кыргыз Республикасынын Баатыры“ А. Ш. Атамбаеву»]{{Cite web |title=Алмазбеку Атамбаеву присвоена высшая степень отличия "Кыргыз Республикасынын Баатыры" |url=http://prezident.kg/ru/novosti/10948_almazbeku_atambaevu_prisvoena_vyisshaya_stepen_otlichiya_kyirgyiz_respublikasyinyin_baatyiryi/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201024653/http://prezident.kg/ru/novosti/10948_almazbeku_atambaevu_prisvoena_vyisshaya_stepen_otlichiya_kyirgyiz_respublikasyinyin_baatyiryi |archive-date=1 December 2017 |access-date=2017-11-28 |publisher=prezident.kg}}

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Category:1956 births

Category:Kyrgyzstani Sunni Muslims

Category:Living people

Category:People from Chüy Region

Category:Presidents of Kyrgyzstan

Category:Prime ministers of Kyrgyzstan

Category:Deputy prime ministers of Kyrgyzstan

Category:Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan politicians

Category:Recipients of the Order of Alexander Nevsky

Category:Recipients of the Presidential Order of Excellence

Category:Heroes of the Kyrgyz Republic

Category:Members of the Supreme Council (Kyrgyzstan)

Category:Heads of government who were later imprisoned

Category:State University of Management alumni

Category:Industry ministers of Kyrgyzstan