The helicopter arrived to pick up Azhiev on a commercial order, but he did not fly away from prison on it — the president

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov commented to the Kabar news agency on the controversy surrounding businessman Daniel Azhiev, who was previously convicted of organizing illegal webcam studios. In recent days, social media users have been actively discussing reports that after his release, he allegedly left prison by helicopter and is flaunting a luxurious lifestyle, which, according to some commentators, could negatively affect the reputation of the authorities.

According to the president, the decision to pardon him was made after a personal appeal from the convicted man's family.

"Yes, that's right. We pardoned him and released him. Azhiev's mother contacted me. I don't know where she got my WhatsApp number, but she contacted me directly via video call and asked for help," said the head of state.

According to him, the woman explained that the family was in a difficult situation: her daughter-in-law was raising four children on her own, one of whom was disabled.

“She said, ‘Please have mercy on my child and let him go. I guarantee that he will be disciplined and calm.’ I am a compassionate person. I sincerely believed her and pardoned him,” the president said.

Zaparov emphasized that on that day, not only Azhiev but also 75 other people convicted of minor crimes received pardons.

The head of state also commented on the situation with the helicopter, which caused a wide public outcry. According to him, after the information about the flight from the colony appeared, the authorities quickly intervened.

“We immediately received a report that Azhiev was leaving the prison by helicopter. We immediately turned the helicopter around and landed it where it had taken off. The information that he flew away in a helicopter is correct. But after 15 minutes, the helicopter turned around and landed in the same place,” he explained.

The president also stated that the Ministry of Emergency Situations was not involved in the incident. According to him, helicopters can perform commercial flights in their free time.

“Emergencies do not happen every day. Therefore, helicopters are allowed to perform commercial orders in their free time. Anyone can pay for an order and use this service,” Zaparov said.