Kyrgyz opposition demands release of MPs
Hundreds of protesters tried to break into the parliament and presidential office in Bishkek. The police used light grenades and tear gas to stop them. About 500 people demanded nationalization of the Kumtor gold mining enterprise (Kyrgyz-Canadian). Ata Zhurt, the oppositionist party, was leading the protesters. Three people, including two police officers, were hospitalized with gunshots, while 12 people, including 9 police officers, received other injuries, ITAR-TASS reports.
Interior Minister Zarylbek Rusaliyev said that some people were detained for disorders. An inter-department group was formed to investigate the problem.
Ata Zhurt leader Kamchibek Tashiyev was detained for 48 hours, suspected of a coup attempt, RIA Novosti cites his lawyer Ikramidin Aytkulov.
His detention was announced at 4 am. Other Ata Zhurt members Kamchybek Tashiyev and Sadyr Japarov were detained as well.
Supporters of opposition leaders started protests at the state committee for national security. About 50 people were seen protesting. They plan to be backed by other protesters in Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken and Bishkek, demanding release of the MPs, secretary of the party Nurgazy Anarkulov said.
Opposition expects that 20,000 people at southern areas of the republic would support them.
Ata Zhurt got most votes at the parliamentary elections in 2010, outrunning the Social Democratic Party of President Almazbek Atambayev. It failed to gain enough votes to form a majority coalition and remained an opposition party.
