Kyrgyzstan: Former President Almazbek Atambayev calls protest in Bishkek August 8 /update 3

Event

Former President Almazbek Atambayev has called for a protest to be held in Bishkek on Thursday, August 8, to demand the resignation of the current head of state Sooronbai Jeenbekov after a failed attempt by government forces to arrest him on Wednesday, August 7 . Protesters are expected to gather at the Media Forum building at 16:00 (local time), before heading to the presidential office building, the White House.

A heightened security presence along with traffic disruptions are expected in Bishkek, particularly in the vicinity of the protest sites, over the coming hours. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out as tensions remain high in the country. 

Context

On August 7, government special forces attempted to arrest former President Almazbek Atambayev at his compound in Koy Tash, outside of Bishkek. Health officials said that at least 36 people were wounded and one soldier was reportedly killed during the raid. Hundreds of the former President's supporters rallied in Koy Tash to prevent the arrest. Reports indicate that six of the soldiers were detained.

Almazbek Atambayev, whose presidential term ended in late 2017, has since been stripped of immunity from prosecution by president Sooronbai Jeenbekov's government and stands accused of corruption.  

Advice

Individuals in Bishkek are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.