Kyrgyzstan: Violent protest in Kazarman April 11

Event

Several thousand people took part in a protest against the construction of a gold-processing plant, managed by a Chinese-backed company, in southern town of Kazarman on Wednesday, April 11. Some protesters attacked the facility, setting fire to one of the buildings. The incident led to clashes with police. 

Context

Locals fear the new plant will pose environmental and health risks, despite assurances from the authorities to the contrary. Kazarman is already the site of a large gold-processing plant built in the mid-1980s. Residents argue that the factory has already damaged the environment, notably increasing levels of air pollution in the town.

Advice

Individuals present in Kazarman are advised to stay away from the site of the controversial plant, avoid any further protests, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.