Political Career
Kulov was born in Frunze (present-day Bishkek), and initially trained as a policeman. Between 1978 and 1998 he held various posts in the Kyrgyz government, including Minister of the Interior, Minister for National Security and Governor of Chuy Province. From 1992–1993 he was Vice President, in which position he oversaw the launch of the Kyrgyz currency, the Som. However, he was forced to resign following a scandal over missing gold reserves.
From 1998 to 1999 Kulov served as Mayor of Bishkek, becoming a popular politician in the city. In 1999 he participated in the formation of Ar-Namys, becoming its first leader. In February 2000 he announced his intention to run as a member of the Supreme Council. Kyrgyz police arrested him a month later for corruption. On 22 January 2001 a military court found him guilty and sentenced him to seven years in prison. He has been cleared of all charges against him in 2005, and in 2010, the UN Human Rights Committee has found several civil rights violations in his detention and trial.
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