Special forces storm compound of former President of Kyrgyzstan, Almazbek

The special forces have stormed the compound of former President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Almazbek Atambayev has been reportedly refusing to obey a subpoena in an unspecified criminal investigation.

DEVELOPING STORY: Kyrgyz special forces have stormed the compound of former President Almazbek Atambaev, who has been refusing to to obey a subpoena in an unspecified criminal investigation. pic.twitter.com/vF60JcYNjZ

— Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (@RFERL) August 7, 2019

The RFERL reported that in a live broadcast on the page of journalist Mirbek Aitikeev, special forces, many of whom wore masks, could be seen entering one building on the compound in the village of Koi-Tash, while several supporters of the former president stood by in the courtyard.

Gunshots could be heard during the action, but it was not clear if anyone had been shot.

Several associates of Atambaev have been arrested on corruption charges, and Atambaev himself faces five counts of criminal misconduct while in office from 2011 to 2017 -- including corruption, abuse of office, and illegally enriching himself.

Atambayev has rejected all of the charges saying they are politically motivated. He refused to obey Interior Ministry subpoenas in an unspecified criminal investigation three times earlier in July.

Under Kyrgyz law, a person who refuses to comply with two subpoenas can be forcibly detained for questioning. But authorities in Bishkek so far have not attempted to carry out such a move against the former president.