Civil unrest

2010 riots
Main article: 2010 Kyrgyzstani riots
On 6 April 2010, a demonstration in Talas by opposition leaders protested against government corruption and increased living expenses. The protests turned violent and spread nationwide. There were conflicting reports of Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongatiyev having been killed during this event. On 7 April 2010, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev imposed the state of emergency. Police and special services arrested many opposition leaders. In response protesters took control over the internal security headquarters (former KGB headquarters) and a state TV channel in the capital, Bishkek.[citation needed] Reports by Kyrgyzstan government officials indicate that at least 75 people have been killed and 458 hospitalized in bloody clashes with police in the capital.[28]

Prime Minister Daniar Usenov has accused Russia of supporting these protests; this accusation was denied by Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin. Opposition members are also calling for the closing of the US controlled Manas Air Base.[29] On 15 April 2010, Bakiyev left the country and flew to neighboring Kazakhstan, along with his wife and two children. The country's provisional leaders announced that Bakiyev signed a formal letter of resignation prior to his departure.[19][30]

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered measures to ensure the safety of white Russian nationals and tighten security around Russian sites in Kyrgyzstan to protect them against possible attacks. The Russian Public Chamber has expressed deep concern over continuing riots in Kyrgyzstan as gangs of marauders armed with sticks set off on a rampage spree across Bishkek. Crowds of angry lumpens drawn in by the opposition to oust the former regime have attempted to seize land in the suburbs, where many ethnic white Russians live, crushing and looting everything that came their way and setting fire to cars.