Kyrgyzstan: Police disperse opposition demonstrators in Bishkek October 5

Event

Police reportedly used stun grenades, warning shots, and tear gas to disperse opposition demonstrators in central Bishkek on Monday, October 5, following protests over the handling of the previous day's parliamentary election. Up to 5,000 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 scuffles with police reportedly broke out in the evening, prompting security forces to disperse the gathering. 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.

Further opposition-led protests are likely in Bishkek 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.