More than 2,000 unarmed supporters of a presidential hopeful who was denied registration in next month’s election stormed the Kyrgyz government headquarters on Friday.
The crowd had gathered outside the building, shouting slogans in support of the would-be candidate, Urmat Baryaktadasov. His registration was denied because Kyrgyz officials said they had proof he was a citizen of neighboring Kazakhstan.
The unrest underscored the high tensions reigning in Kyrgyzstan less than a month before the July 10 vote. The election was called after a March uprising ousted longtime Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev.
Violence broke out earlier in the week in the southern city of Osh, when security guards opened fire on market traders demanding fair market prices. Seven people were injured in the clash Monday, two seriously.
Last week, a lawmaker who owned the biggest car market in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, was shot and killed. Authorities on Tuesday announced a $25,000 reward for information to help to solve the murder.
The crowd on Friday swept aside approximately 50 policemen and 20 National Guardsman who had been patrolling the building. Police had earlier sealed off the square outside the building.
Up to 100 Interior Ministry troops carrying riot shields and truncheons were advancing on the building.