Known at home as the ‘prince’, Maksim Bakiyev is believed to have fled the country on 6 April on a flight to Washington. The United States has denied reports that the son of the former president applied for refugee status. He and his father are viewed as the main culprits in the country’s economic implosion.

Bishkek (AsiaNews) – In Kyrgyzstan, former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’ favourite son was known as the ‘prince’ and was touted as his almost certain successor. Now, ten days after a revolt ousted the father, 32-year-old Maksim has disappeared.

The mystery over his whereabouts began on 6 April, when he left the country on a flight to Washington to meet with US officials. Maksim Bakiyev ran Kyrgyzstan's Central Agency for Development, Investment and Innovation, but when unrest broke out meetings with the Americans were cancelled. At that point, the scion of the former president disappeared.

The US government denied reports that he had applied for political asylum. Kyrgyzstan’s interim government charged him with abuse of power and embezzlement

Under the circumstance, any return home is not likely. What is certain is that he was perhaps the most hated member of the Bakiyev clan, a man who virtually controlled the country’s economy and exerted powers almost equal to those of a prime minister.

In the absence of reliable information, Radio Free Europe has begun monitoring livejournal, a virtual community where members can keep a journal or diary. Since 8 April, right after the former Kyrgyz president was ousted, someone has been signing in with the username maksimbakiev.

The last post is dated 16 April, and carries a statement signed ‘K Bakiyev’ in which the Kyrgyz president announces his resignation as head of state and charges the members of the provisional government for the recent bloodbath. Other posts include news about Kyrgyzstan, citing Russian sources like the Interfax news agency.

One thing was removed from the journal, namely the user’s location, initially posted on 8 April as the city of New York in the original profile. Now no location is given.

• kyrgyzstan
• bishkek
• new
• york
• kurmanbek
• maksim
• bakiyev
• exile
• disappearance
• ouster
• bloodbath