Kyrgyzstan's ex-president sentenced in absentia

Kyrgyzstan's deposed president has been sentenced in absentia to 24 years in jail for offenses committed during the repressive years of his rule.

The Supreme Court said Tuesday that Kurmbanbek Bakiyev, who fled to Belarus after a bloody public revolt in 2010, was sentenced to 12 years for covering up an incident when body parts were sent to a political opponent.

The remainder of the sentence was imposed for abusing public office in appointing his brother, Zhanybek Bakiyev, to head the presidential guard service.

Zhanybek Bakiyev was sentenced in absentia Monday to life for crimes including murder, kidnapping and torture.

Kurmbanbek Bakiyev ruled Kyrgyzstan for five years.

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