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{{current|date=April 2010}}
{{current|date=April 2010}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title = 2010 Kyrgyzstan riots
| title = The Second Kyrgyz Revolution 2010
| subheader = {{Location map many | Kyrgyzstan
| subheader = {{Location map many | Kyrgyzstan
| caption = Locations of the main disturbances within Kyrgyzstan during April 2010
| caption = Locations of the main disturbances within Kyrgyzstan during April 2010
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{{Politics of Kyrgyzstan}}
{{Politics of Kyrgyzstan}}


The '''2010 Kyrgyzstan riots''' are a series of continuing uprisings across the country of [[Kyrgyzstan]] in 2010. The riots stem from growing anger against the government of President [[Kurmanbek Bakiyev]] and the sluggish economy, and follow the government's closure of several media outlets. Protesters took control of a government office in [[Talas, Kyrgyzstan|Talas]] on April 6, and on April 7 clashes between protesters and police in the capital [[Bishkek]] turned violent. At least 74 deaths and 500 injuries have been confirmed.<ref name=rian74>{{cite news|url= http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100408/158478552.html |title=Kyrgyz provisional authorities dismiss parliament, take over from president, govt.; 74 killed in protests |date=2010-04-08 |accessdate=2010-04-08}}</ref><ref name=oppgov>{{cite news|last=Leonard|first=Peter|title=Kyrgyzstan opposition forms own new government|agency=Associated Press|date=April 7, 2010|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iY7jSEWaqNHm0CVfJW_mPe1KLydQD9EUBJ200}}</ref><ref>[http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n215821 Focus-Fen]</ref> Overnight it was reported that President Bakiyev had fled the capital in his private jet south to [[Osh]], and that opposition leaders were forming a new government led by former foreign minister [[Roza Otunbayeva]].<ref name=nyt>{{Citation|last=Levy|first=Clifford|title=Opposition Claims Control in Kyrgyzstan|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|date=April 7, 2010|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/world/asia/08bishkek.html?hp}}</ref><ref name>{{Citation|title=Opposition Claims Control in Kyrgyzstan|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=April 7, 2010|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/07/kyrgyzstan.emergency.riots/index.html?hpt=T1}}</ref>
The '''The Second Kyrgyz Revolution 2010''' are a series of continuing uprisings across the country of [[Kyrgyzstan]] in 2010. The riots stem from growing anger against the government of President [[Kurmanbek Bakiyev]] and the sluggish economy, and follow the government's closure of several media outlets. Protesters took control of a government office in [[Talas, Kyrgyzstan|Talas]] on April 6, and on April 7 clashes between protesters and police in the capital [[Bishkek]] turned violent. At least 74 deaths and 500 injuries have been confirmed.<ref name=rian74>{{cite news|url= http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100408/158478552.html |title=Kyrgyz provisional authorities dismiss parliament, take over from president, govt.; 74 killed in protests |date=2010-04-08 |accessdate=2010-04-08}}</ref><ref name=oppgov>{{cite news|last=Leonard|first=Peter|title=Kyrgyzstan opposition forms own new government|agency=Associated Press|date=April 7, 2010|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iY7jSEWaqNHm0CVfJW_mPe1KLydQD9EUBJ200}}</ref><ref>[http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n215821 Focus-Fen]</ref> Overnight it was reported that President Bakiyev had fled the capital in his private jet south to [[Osh]], and that opposition leaders were forming a new government led by former foreign minister [[Roza Otunbayeva]].<ref name=nyt>{{Citation|last=Levy|first=Clifford|title=Opposition Claims Control in Kyrgyzstan|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|date=April 7, 2010|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/world/asia/08bishkek.html?hp}}</ref><ref name>{{Citation|title=Opposition Claims Control in Kyrgyzstan|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=April 7, 2010|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/04/07/kyrgyzstan.emergency.riots/index.html?hpt=T1}}</ref>


==Origins==
==Origins==

Revision as of 21:48, 8 April 2010

The Second Kyrgyz Revolution 2010
2010 Kyrgyzstan Revolution is located in Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek
Bishkek
Talas
Talas
Naryn
Naryn
Tokmok
Tokmok
class=notpageimage|
Locations of the main disturbances within Kyrgyzstan during April 2010
LocationKyrgyzstan
DateApril 3, 2010 – ongoing
Deaths74+[1]
Injured500+[1]
Politics of Kyrgyzstan

Commonwealth of Independent States CIS Member State

Constitution
Executive
Legislative
Elections
Foreign relations
Related topics

The The Second Kyrgyz Revolution 2010 are a series of continuing uprisings across the country of Kyrgyzstan in 2010. The riots stem from growing anger against the government of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and the sluggish economy, and follow the government's closure of several media outlets. Protesters took control of a government office in Talas on April 6, and on April 7 clashes between protesters and police in the capital Bishkek turned violent. At least 74 deaths and 500 injuries have been confirmed.[1][2][3] Overnight it was reported that President Bakiyev had fled the capital in his private jet south to Osh, and that opposition leaders were forming a new government led by former foreign minister Roza Otunbayeva.[4][5]

Origins

Long-term frustration has been building in Kyrgyzstan over the perceived corruption and cronyism in the Bakiyev administration, as well as the country's poor economic situation and a recent rise in utility rates.[6][7]

In the days leading up to the riots a number of news outlets were shut down, following reports that were considered "damaging" to the president and his son, Maxim Bakiyev, who heads the new national Central Agency for Development, Investment, and Innovation. An arrest warrant was issued in early March by an Italian court for Eugene Gourevitch, an American who was accused of defrauding Telecom Italia.[8] Gourevitch was at the time the managing director of a consulting agency that advised Kyrgyzstan's Development Fund, which in turn is managed by the Central Agency run by Maxim.[9] The government soon began closing independent news outlets that reported on Gourevitch affair. Two newspapers were shut down on March 18. Radio Azattyk, the Kyrgyz-language service of RFE/RL, went off the air shortly afterward. The opposition newspaper Forum was shut on March 31, and the independent website Stan.tv had its equipment removed on April 1.[10]

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Kyrgyzstan on April 3, and protesters gathered outside the UN's headquarters in the capital of Bishkek to inform Ban Ki-moon of the media situation.[10] A small group of protesters then moved to the center of town, but were stopped by police.[11]

Some people in the media are already suggesting that the riots in the country and the opposition claim of having taken over the government are akin to the Tulip Revolution in 2005.[12]

There is also a debate regarding the continuing US military presence in Kyrgyzstan.[13]

Alleged Russian role

The Eurasian Daily Monitor reported on April 1 that, for two weeks, the Kremlin has used the Russian mass media to spread disparaging information about the Kyrgyzstan administration. Russia controls much of the media in Kyrgyzstan. The sudden campaign coincided with Kyrgyzstan's hesitation to host a new Russian military base.[14] On April 1 Russia also imposed duties on energy exports to Kyrgyzstan. It influenced fuel and transport prices immediately, and reportedly led to a massive protest in Talas on April 6.[15] In response to such allegations, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin denied any Russian involvement and said the incident had personally caught him "off guard" and that "Neither Russia nor your humble servant nor Russian officials have anything to do with these events". [16] Michael McFaul, a senior United States White House adviser on Russian affairs stated in Prague that the seizure of power by the Kyrgyz opposition was not anti-American in nature, and was not a Russian backed coup.[17]

Timeline

April 6

On April 6 in the western city of Talas approximately 1,000 protesters stormed the government headquarters and briefly took government workers hostage. Security forces retook the building in the early evening, only to be quickly forced out again by protesters.[18][19] Two prominent opposition leaders, Omurbek Tekebayev and Almazbek Atambayev, were arrested by Kyrgyz authorities.

April 7

File:Bishkek White House.JPG
The presidential White House in downtown Bishkek

On the morning of April 7 a small group of protesters were arrested outside the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party in Bishkek. Hundreds of protesters then gathered. Police attempted to stop them using tear gas and stun grenades, but the protesters overwhelmed the police, and took control of two armored vehicles and automatic weapons. The protest group, now numbering between three to five thousand, then moved towards the center of town and into Ala-Too Square, where gunshots and stun grenades could be heard, and protesters were seen fleeing.[20][18][19] Protesters in Bishkek filled Ala-Too Square and surrounded the White House, the office of Kyrgyzstan's president.[21][22] Police began using tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse protesters.[23] In an attempt to gain entrance to the presidential office, demonstrators drove two trucks into the gates of the White House, at which point it was reported that police started firing on protesters with live ammunition.[24] Witnesses reported that both protesters and riot police were wounded during the clashes, and at least forty-one protesters were killed.[25] A state of emergency was declared, as well as a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am.[26][24]


Later that day opposition leaders and demonstrators stormed the parliament building, led by the opposition leader Omurbek Tekebayev who had been arrested the day before but was subsequently released.[27] The headquarters for KTR, Kyrgyzstan's main television broadcaster, was also taken over by protesters.[19] After being off the air for part of the day, KTR resumed transmission Wednesday evening featuring members of the opposition as well as human rights representatives.[28] By late Wednesday opposition leaders had announced the formation of a new government, and soon after reports came in that President Bakiyev has left Bishkek and flown to Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan.[2][4] There were no reported demonstrations in Osh.[24]

In addition to Bishkek and Talas, rallies and protests were reported in other parts of the country including Naryn, Tokmok, and the Issyk-Kul region.[29][30][31] There were also reports that the government of the Issyk-Kul region had been taken over by members of opposition parties.[32] There was an information blackout throughout much of the country, as TV stations went off the air and both phones and internet became unreliable.[18]

There are conflicting reports about the fate of Kyrgyz Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongantiyev. Some reports say he is being held hostage by opposition protesters in Talas, while other reports say he has been killed.[33][34][35] The Kyrgyz Interior Ministry denied reports of his death, calling them "fictitious".[36] There were also reports saying he was badly battered but had survived. A reporter from Russia's Fergana Information Agency said he had witnessed protesters brutally beating the minister.[37] Opposition leaders announced that they had formed a new provisional government headed by Roza Otunbayeva.[38]

April 8

President Bakiyev, who was confirmed by the Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Defense to be in his residence in Osh,[39] has acknowledged that he currently has no power to influence events in the country, though he refuses to resign his post. [40]

Even with the opposition reporting itself in control of the police and the army[41], residents in Bishkek began forming volunteer militias to stave off marauders. Wearing white armbands, around a dozen men were signing up for the units outside the National Security Service (SNB) headquarters in central Bishkek.[42]

International response

  • United Nations United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for restraint on Tuesday, and through a spokesperson said "while freedom of assembly is an essential element of any democratic society, the rule of law must be respected."[43] On Wednesday he said he was "shocked" by the violence, and his spokesperson said the Secretary General "urgently appeals for dialogue and calm to avoid further bloodshed."[44]
  •  Belarus - Spokesman for the Belarusian Foreign Ministry Andrei Savinykh expressed concern, adding that "street protests cannot be the means to settle disputes." He urged all parties to refrain from violence and resolve issues "in a legal manner".[47]
  •  Germany - German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle officially stated: "I am deeply shocked by the large number of people killed or injured during the recent clashes in Kyrgyzstan. I call on the authorities to do everything possible to prevent any further violence, plundering or bloodshed. The country must return as soon as possible to security and stability founded on the rule of law and democracy."[51]
  •  Iran - Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, said Iran "wants the immediate restoration of domestic stability," and the prevention of the spread of insecurity to such a sensitive region of Central Asia.[52]
  •  Kazakhstan - As chairman of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Secretary of State - Minister for Foreign Affairs Kanat Saudabayev held a conversation with the head of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry Kadyrbek Sarbaev, expressing concern and the hope that both parties would demonstrate "political will and wisdom in the joint resolution of their disagreements in the interests of the people of Kyrgyzstan". He also announced that the OSCE was ready to assist in dialogue.[53]
  •  Russia - Official statement by the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was issued on 7 April 2010 [54]. Andrei Nesterenko, the spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry, called for both sides to avoid violence, saying, "as we are interested in preserving political stability in a country that is friendly to us, we consider it important to resolve the issues raised by the current situation by legal means."[55] Russian President Dmitry Medvedev urged both sides to prevent further human deaths and to restore governability of state.[56] Vladimir Putin criticized Bakiev, but denied any Russia involvement stating, "Neither Russia nor your humble servant nor Russian officials have anything to do with these events".[57][58][59]. Medvedev also reportedly sent two companies of Russian troops to protect the Russian-leased air base Kant and the families of Russian servicemen.[60].
  •  Tajikistan - Tajikistan stated that it was concerned over the outbreak of violence, and expressed hopes that the conflict would be resolved within a legal framework. Tajik Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dawlat Nazriev stated that "Information we receive from the neighboring republic, with which Tajikistan has a nearly 1,000-kilometer border, can't leave the country's authorities undisturbed as our country has already experienced the effect of civil conflict. We hope the politicians and people of the friendly republic will show reason and restraint."[61]
  •  United States - On 7 April 2010 Assistant Secretary (of Department of State) Philip J. Crowley said, that USA is monitoring very closely the situation. [62] Officials at the U.S. embassy in Bishkek said it is "deeply concerned" about the events in Talas and urged both sides to "show respect for the rule of law" and to "engage in talks to resolve differences in a peaceful, orderly and legal manner."[63] Following news of Bakiyev's departure from the capital, a State Department spokesman said the U.S. still considers Bakiyev's government to be in power since they could not confirm reports that the opposition had seized control.[64] Just outside Bishkek is the Transit Center at Manas, a large logistics base crucial to U.S. efforts in the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Following the outbreaks of violence in Bishkek, the center was temporarily closed.[65]
  •  Ukraine - The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that Ukraine "urges all parties to stop the violence and resolve all the existing problems in a peaceful manner".[61]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Kyrgyz provisional authorities dismiss parliament, take over from president, govt.; 74 killed in protests". 2010-04-08. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  2. ^ a b Leonard, Peter (April 7, 2010). "Kyrgyzstan opposition forms own new government". Associated Press.
  3. ^ Focus-Fen
  4. ^ a b Levy, Clifford (April 7, 2010), "Opposition Claims Control in Kyrgyzstan", New York Times
  5. ^ Opposition Claims Control in Kyrgyzstan, CNN, April 7, 2010
  6. ^ "Violence flares in Kyrgyz capital", Al Jazeera, April 7, 2010
  7. ^ Tynan, Deirdre (April 7, 2010), "Violence Erupts at Kyrgyzstan Opposition Rallies", Wall Street Journal
  8. ^ Gorst, Isabel (March 16, 2010), "Italy tax inquiry draws in Kyrgyz aid fund", Financial Times
  9. ^ "Brewing Financial Scandal Stoking Media Controversy", EurasiaNet, March 11, 2010
  10. ^ a b Trilling, David (April 5, 2010), "UN Head Chides Bakiyev as More Media Outlets Blocked", EurasiaNet
  11. ^ "Ban visit prompts Kyrgyzstan rally", Al Jazeera, April 3, 2010
  12. ^ http://www.eurasianhome.org/xml/t/expert.xml?lang=en&nic=expert&pid=2361&qmonth=0&qyear=0
  13. ^ "Kyrgyz Opposition Group Says It Will Rule for 6 Months", nytimes.com, April 8, 2010
  14. ^ Russian Mass Media Attack Bakiyev. Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 7 Issue: 63. April 1, 2010.
  15. ^ Kyrgyzstan: Is Putin punishing Bakiyev?. EurasiaNet Eurasia Insight. 2010-04-06.
  16. ^ Russia not involved in Kyrgyz events - Putin. RIA Novosti. 2010-04-07.
  17. ^ Bohan, Caren (8 April 2010). "U.S. says Kyrgyz events not Russian-backed coup". Prague: The Washington Post. Retrieved 8 April 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ a b c "Four Confirmed Dead, State of Emergency Declared", EurasiaNet, April 7, 2010
  19. ^ a b c Siegel, Matt (April 7, 2010), "Interior minister killed in Kyrgyzstan uprising", Sydney Morning Herald
  20. ^ http://www.en.rian.ru/world/20100407/158462827.html
  21. ^ Saralayeva, Leila (April 7, 2010). "Protesters clash with police in Kyrgyzstan". Associated Press.
  22. ^ Leonard, Peter (April 7, 2010). "Violence erupts at Kyrgyzstan opposition rallies". Associated Press.
  23. ^ "Kyrgyzstan protests spread to capital, Bishkek", BBC, April 7, 2010
  24. ^ a b c "Mobs roam Bishkek, gunfire continues", EurasiaNet, April 7, 2010
  25. ^ Levy, Clifford J. "Upheaval in Kyrgyzstan as Leader Flees". New York Times.
  26. ^ "State of emergency declared in Kyrgyzstan", RTE News, April 7, 2010
  27. ^ "Rioters storm Parliament in Kyrgyzstan capital", RIA Novosti, April 7, 2010
  28. ^ "Kyrgyz opposition leaders appear on state TV", RIA Novosti, April 7, 2010
  29. ^ Template:Ru icon"Ситуация в Нарыне (обновлено)", AKIpress (АКИpress), April 7, 2010
  30. ^ Template:Ru icon"Ситуация в Токмаке", AKIpress (АКИpress), April 7, 2010
  31. ^ Template:Ru icon"Ситуация на Иссык-Куле (обновлено)", AKIpress (АКИpress), April 7, 2010
  32. ^ Template:Ru icon"Власть в Иссык-Кульской области Киргизии перешла в руки оппозиции", RIA Novosti, April 7, 2010
  33. ^ "Kyrgyz interior minister taken hostage by protesters – media", Xinhua, April 7, 2010
  34. ^ "Kyrgyz Interior Minister killed in protests – media", Xinhua, April 7, 2010
  35. ^ "17 dead, over 140 injured in Kyrgyzstan riots: Official", The Gazette, April 7, 2010
  36. ^ Template:Ru icon"МВД Киргизии опровергло известие о смерти своего руководителя", Lenta.ru, April 7, 2010
  37. ^ http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=122717&sectionid=351020406
  38. ^ Radio Free Europe
  39. ^ Template:Ru icon"Президент Киргизии К.Бакиев находится в городе Ош". 2010-04-08. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  40. ^ Kyrgyz President Won't Back Down, As Opposition Claims Power
  41. ^ Kyrgyz President Won't Back Down, As Opposition Claims Power
  42. ^ "KYRGYZSTAN: VOLUNTEER SECURITY BRIGADES PLAN TO DEFEND BISHKEK". 2010-04-08. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  43. ^ "Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Kyrgyzstan" (Press release). United Nations. April 6, 2010.
  44. ^ "U.N. Secretary-General Ban 'shocked' by widespread violence in Kyrgyzstan", Thaindian News, April 7, 2010
  45. ^ "Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Kyrgyzstan, Statement A 52/10" (PDF). 2010-04-08. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  46. ^ OSCE Chairperson-in-Office sends Special Envoy to Kyrgyzstan, discusses situation with UN Secretary-General, 8 April 2010, April 8, 2010
  47. ^ "Belarus appeals for political stability in Kyrgyzstan". Belarusian Telegraph Agency. April 8, 2010.
  48. ^ Xinhua (April 8, 2010). "China 'deeply concerned' over Kyrgyz situations". China Daily. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  49. ^ Press Conference by Foreign Ministers Vashadze and Stubb, 8 April 2010 (video), April 8, 2010
  50. ^ Press Conference by Foreign Ministers Vashadze and Stubb, 8 April 2010 (video), April 8, 2010
  51. ^ Federal Minister Westerwelle on the situation in Kyrgyzstan (official statement), April 8, 2010
  52. ^ "Iran wants restoration of peace in Kyrgyzstan". Press TV. April 7, 2010.
  53. ^ "Kazakhstan as OSCE chairman expressed concern over uprising in Kyrgyzstan". Gazeta.kz. April 8, 2010.
  54. ^ Dmitry Medvedev's comments on the situation in Kyrgyzstan., April 7, 2010
  55. ^ "Russia urges Kyrgyz protesters, government to avoid violence", RIA Novosti, April 7, 2010
  56. ^ http://kremlin.ru/news/7388
  57. ^ Template:Ru icon"Путин: Бакиев наступает на те же самые грабли". 2010-04-07. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  58. ^ "Путин: Бакиев наступает на те же самые грабли". 2010-04-07. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  59. ^ "Russia not involved in Kyrgyz events - Putin". RIA Novosti. 2010-04-07. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  60. ^ Юлия Малышева. "Чуйский десант. Россия направляет в Киргизию солдат для защиты своих граждан, погромы в Бишкеке продолжаются". «ВЗГЛЯД.РУ». Retrieved 2010-04-08. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |datepublished= ignored (help)
  61. ^ a b "International community urges dialogue in Kyrgyzstan". 2010-04-08. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  62. ^ "Daily Press Briefing, Assistant Secretary, Philip J. Crowley, April 7, 2010". 2010-04-07. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  63. ^ "Embassy of the United States – Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic". 2010-04-07. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
  64. ^ "US says believes Kyrgyz government still in power". Reuters. April 7, 2010.
  65. ^ "U.S. operations at Manas affected". Stars and Stripes. April 8, 2010.
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