Kyrgyz ex-president Almazbek Atambayev, who is accused of murder and other particularly serious crimes, could face a life sentence, human rights activist Rita Karasartova told RIA Novosti.

A representative of the Prosecutor General’s Office said Tuesday that ex-President Almazbek Atambayev was given notifications of a number of particularly serious crimes, such as organizing riots, murder, attempted murder, hostage-taking and violence against a government official. According to special services, the ex-head of state was preparing a coup.

According to the human rights activist, she is not yet ready to give an accurate assessment of the new charges brought against Atambayev, since the investigation and the court must prove their justification.

Kyrgyz special services on August 7 began an operation to detain ex-president Almazbek Atambayev at his residence in the village of Koi Tash, 20 kilometers from the capital. Atambayev’s supporters were captured by six special forces soldiers. The next day, clashes between supporters and security forces resumed and continued until the morning despite the fact that the ex-president himself surrendered to the security forces. A total of 136 people were injured as a result of the special operation, the Health Ministry’s press service reported. One commando was killed.