[3][4] Despite initial hopes, Bakiyev's term in office was marred by the murder of several prominent politicians, prison riots, economic ills and battles for control of lucrative businesses.

He was accused of not following through with his promises to limit presidential power, give more authority to parliament and the prime minister, and eradicate corruption and crime.

[13] In February 2009, while in Moscow, Bakiyev announced the eviction of the US Air Base from Kyrgyzstan, following a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, during which Russia promised a $2 billion investment.

[16] The Eurasia Daily Monitor wrote on 10 September 2009 that his style resembled other leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev.

International human rights organizations reported serious violations, including the use of torture, illegal detentions, and restrictions on freedom of assembly.

[23] The government exerted pressure on independent media, shutting down opposition newspapers and television channels, and blocking access to critical internet resources.

[24] Documented cases included opposition leaders being arrested and prosecuted on fabricated charges, exacerbating political tensions in the country.

According to the opposition, this tax was sent directly to the accounts of AsiaUniversalBank OJSC, owned by Maxim Bakiev, who thus took possession of funds in the amount of 5 million US dollars.

[28] Members of the Provisional Government have repeatedly stated that Maxim Bakiyev and his associates controlled the supply of fuel to American military base, and thereby made a lot of money.

[30] With full cooperation from the United States, the Bakiyev family profited greatly from the Manas air base, significantly boosting their wealth through lucrative fuel supply contracts.

Experts testified before the US Congress, stating that the US government supported the Bakiyev regime—a brutal family clan—in order to maintain the Manas air base.

Maxim Bakiyev's involvement in these schemes was widely known and became even more evident after public statements by his business partner, Yevgeny Gurevich, who openly discussed the details of their activities.

[29] According to WikiLeaks, the US ambassador to Kyrgyzstan described authoritarian President Bakiyev's son, Maxim, as "corrupt, smart, and a good ally," despite his involvement in numerous political attacks, threats, and mass raids.

[31] The United States also acknowledged its involvement with companies linked to former Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev for the supply of fuel and lubricants.

[32][33] Despite proven facts of murder, political corruption and intimidation of opponents, Maxim Bakiev received asylum in the UK.

The company "Mina" through which he laundered funds from supplies of fuel and lubricants to a US military base was registered in the British Gibraltar.

[32] In April 2010, after bloody riots in the capital overturned the government, Bakiyev reportedly fled to the southern city of Osh.

[48] In a 2017 interview with the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Bakiyev claimed that Medvedev and Putin, as well as US President Barack Obama were involved in the coordination of his safe departure to Minsk.

[50] Lukashenko presented Bakiyev with traditional flowers and symbolic gifts before meeting with him in his office where they discussed relevant issues.

[55][56] During his time as president, several Bakiyev family members had prominent positions in the government, with at least five close relatives working in the upper echelons of power.