The verdict was announced publicly, although the trial itself was held behind closed doors. Presiding Judge Aziret Mederov read out the court’s decision.

According to a correspondent from 24.kg news agency reporting from the courtroom, all defendants were found guilty under the charge «Violent Seizure of Power» and sentenced to four years in prison with confiscation of property.

Kamchybek Tashiev, former chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS);

Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, former Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh;

Kurmankul Zulushev, former member of Parliament;

Bekbolot Talgarbekov, public figure;

Emilbek Uzakbaev, former Kyrgyz ambassador to Uzbekistan;

Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev, former member of Parliament;

Aaly Karashev, former deputy prime minister and ex-lawmaker;

Kursan Asanov, former deputy interior minister.

However, the prison sentences were replaced with three years of probation supervision, meaning the convicted individuals will not serve time in prison.

The court also acquitted the defendants on charges of abuse of office.

Five defendants who had been held in custody since February were released directly from the courtroom: Bekbolot Talgarbekov, Emilbek Uzakbaev, Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev, Aaly Karashev, and Kursan Asanov.

Probation means that the convicted individuals will remain under the supervision of probation authorities for the court-designated period instead of serving their sentences in a penal colony.

Following the hearing, Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev said he considered the court’s decision fair.

«The law works in Kyrgyzstan. The court made the right decision. Over five months, we managed to prove many things in this case,» he said.

Kamchybek Tashiev’s lawyer, Ikramidin Aitkulov, said he disagreed with the verdict and intends to appeal to a higher court.

Kurmankul Zulushev’s defense lawyer, Baktybek Zhumashev, also stated that the defense rejects the ruling and will appeal in the near future.

After the hearing, Kursan Asanov said he had not been subjected to pressure. He also stated that he disagreed with the verdict and believes all charges against the convicted individuals should be dropped.

Bekbolot Talgarbekov, another defendant in the «Letter of 75» case, also commented on the ruling.

«All 75 people who signed the letter, as well as the five defendants, have always supported the president and will remain in that position. This verdict is fair to some extent. I view it as part of the policy being pursued by President Sadyr Japarov,» Talgarbekov said.

Earlier, state prosecutors had requested that all defendants be found guilty and sentenced to nine years in prison.

The criminal case stems from an appeal signed by a group of politicians and public figures calling for early presidential elections and the premature termination of the current president’s powers.

According to the investigation, the «Letter of 75» was not merely a political statement but part of a campaign aimed at destabilizing the country and changing the government.

The defendants in the case did not admit guilt.