2020 Kyrgyz Revolution
The 2020 Kyrgyz Revolution (Kyrgyz: Кыргызстандагы төңкөрүш, romanized: Kyrgyzstandagy töngkörush), also known as the Third Kyrgyz Revolution (Үчүнчү революция, Üçünçü revolyutsiya) or October Events, began on 5 October 2020, in response to the previous day's parliamentary election that was perceived by protestors as unfair, with allegations of electoral fraud.[7][8] The results of the election were annulled on 6 October 2020.[9] On 12 October 2020, President Jeenbekov announced a state of emergency in the capital city of Bishkek,[10] which was approved by Parliament the following day.[11] Jeenbekov resigned on 15 October 2020.[12]
2020 Kyrgyz Revolution
5 October 2020 - 15 October 2020 (1 week and 3 days)
- Alleged electoral fraud in the October 2020 Kyrgyz parliamentary election
- Government corruption
- Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Arrest and conviction of former president Almazbek Atambayev on corruption charges
- Resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov
- Resignation of the government
- Dissolution of the newly-elected parliament
- New free and fair elections
- President Sooronbay Jeenbekov resigns
- Former President Almazbek Atambayev freed from jail
- Mass looting in Bishkek on 8 October 2020
- State of Emergency declared in Bishkek
- The Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan deploy across the capital
- Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov became acting president on 15 October 2020
- Prime minister Kubatbek Boronov resigns
- Parliamentary speaker Dastan Jumabekov resigns
- Elections results annulled on 6 October 2020
1[3]
Timeline[edit]
5 October[edit]
The protests began on 5 October 2020, with a crowd of 1,000 people,[7] that grew to at least 5,000 people by evening in Bishkek (the capital of Kyrgyzstan) in protest against results and allegations of vote-buying in the October 2020 parliamentary election.[8] After nightfall, following a police operation to clear the Ala-Too Square of protesters with tear gas and water cannons, protesters allegedly attacked police officers with rocks and injured two of them.[19][20] Former President Almazbek Atambayev was freed from prison.[21]
Reactions[edit]
China[edit]
On 7 October, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, "As a friendly neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner, China sincerely hopes that all parties in Kyrgyzstan can resolve the issue according to law through dialogue and consultation, and push for stability in Kyrgyzstan as soon as possible."[46]
Russia[edit]
On 7 October, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed that Russia is concerned by the political unrest taking place in nearby Kyrgyzstan and hoped for a swift return to stability for the former Soviet state. Russia also gave assurances it was in touch with all the sides in the conflict and hoped that the democratic process would be restored.[47] On 8 October, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said "The situation looks like a mess and chaos." and Russia was obliged by a security treaty to prevent a total breakdown in the country.[48]
European Union[edit]
The European Union called on all political forces in the country to act within the framework of the constitution and to settle their disagreements peacefully.[49]
United States[edit]
The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek expressed support for Jeenbekov, stating on 13 October that "the United States supports the efforts of President Jeenbekov, political leaders, civil society, and legal scholars to return the political life of the country to a constitutional order. It is clear that one of the obstacles towards democratic progress is the attempt by organized crime groups to exert influence over politics and elections."[39]