Kyrgyzstan: Protesters storm White House (Bishkek) on October 6 /update 1

Event

Reports are stating that protesters in Bishkek have stormed the White House and entered the president's office in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6. Images on social media show protesters storming the gates and entering the building, although no reports of any injuries during this incident are currently available.

Earlier on Monday, October 5, police reportedly used stun grenades, warning shots, and tear gas to disperse opposition demonstrators in central Bishkek following protests over the handling of the previous day's parliamentary election. Up to 5000 people had reportedly gathered in the capital's Ala-Too Square to contest the official results of the October 4 poll, in which none of the established opposition parties passed the seven percent vote-share threshold. The protests remained largely peaceful during the day as several opposition leaders addressed the crowd, but clashes with police reportedly broke out in the evening, prompting security forces to disperse the gathering. Protests are reportedly ongoing, with local media sources stating that around 120 people have been injured as a result of Monday's protest.

Similar protests were also held in towns and cities elsewhere in Kyrgyzstan on Monday, but there have so far been no reports of clashes outside the capital.

Those in the vicinity of the White House and greater Bishkek should avoid the area and anticipate security operations in response. Further opposition-led protests are likely in Bishkek and across the country in the near-to-medium term.

Context

Multiple opposition groups have publicly contested the results of the country's October 4 parliamentary election, with only four of 16 registered parties having passed the seven percent vote-share threshold in order to gain seats in the legislature. Three of the four parties in the new parliament have close ties to President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and opposition groups have accused the government of vote-buying and intimidation during the election campaign, allegations which international monitors have stated are credible.

Advice

Those in Kyrgyzstan are advised to monitor developments, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public or via social media, and heed any directives issued by local authorities.