Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek Opposition Unrests Against President Bakiyev

Kyrgyzstan In Chaos

Civil unrests shook the capital of Kyrgyzstan Bishkek this morning. Up to 100 people are feared to be dead after violent clashes between protesters and police. However, the death toll numbers cited range from seventeen to one hundred. It is reported that Bishkek police opened fire at protesters, using bullets, tear gas and grenades.The clashes took place outside the President's office on the main square in Bishkek.

• Kyrgyzstan Riots Videos: Protesters Clashed With Riot Police

Kyrgyz opposition leaders are demanding President Kurmanbek Bakiyev step down after five years in office. Protesters demand that Bakiyev quit his post over failure to deal with corruption. The opposition is also demanding that Bakiyev lays off his family members from senior government positions. There are accusations of basic rights violations, authoritarianism and lack of proper economic governance that allegedly lead to sharp price increases for basic utilities.

Today's protests follow a series of demonstrations earlier this week. In the northwest city of Talas, a governor was held hostage after protesters stormed into government buildings. There are unconfirmed reports that Interior Minister Moldomus Kongantiyev has been killed in Talas. In the central city of Naryn, thousands of protesters took control of another government building. It is reported that today crowds in Bishkek tried to force their way into presidential offices and TV channels' offices.

RussiaToday has been reporting earlier that the clashes have caused Presiddent Bakiyev to flee the country. However, RIA Novosti quotes Bakiev's insider saying the President remains in Bishkek.

A state of emergency has been declared by Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov in the wake of the unrests.

Who is Kurmanbek Bakiyev?

Kurmanbek Bakiyev came to power in 2005 during the Tulip Revolution and the disposal of former President Askar Akayev. Bakiyev's ascend to power was marred by protests and instability from the get-go. He was re-elected President in 2009 despite allegations of corruption and fraud.

Bakiyev made international headlines a year ago when he threatened to evict a strategically important U.S. Air Base from Kyrgyzstan. The eviction fell through when US offered to increase rent payments. The military base in Manas near Bishkek serves as an important supply point for the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan.

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sourced by Yuliya Talmazan