11 Apr 2019 | 06:47 AM UTC
Kyrgyzstan: Political rally planned in Bishkek April 13
Supporters of Respublika-Ata-Zhurt party to gather in Bishkek on April 13; localized disruptions expected
Event
Supporters of the Respublika-Ata-Zhurt party are expected to hold a political rally in Bishkek on Saturday, April 13. In a statement released by the party, the demonstration will be held at the Government House near the State History Museum in central Bishkek from 14:00 to 20:00 (local time). The Respublika party statement claimed 10,000 people would attend the event. Former Prime Minister Ömürbek Babanov is expected to land in Bishkek from Russia at 14:50 and is likely to address the crowd. Localized disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected in the vicinity of the rally.
Context
Ömürbek Babanov is a member of the Respublika-Ata-Zhurt party and served as prime minister from 2011 to 2012 before running as an independent in the 2017 presidential campaign. He resigned from national politics following the election and has been living abroad.
Kyrgyzstan will hold parliamentary elections in 2020.
Advice
Individuals in Bishkek are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all political gatherings as a precaution, and anticipate localized transportation and commercial disruptions and a heightened security presence.
