[ad_1]
(ANSA) – BISHKEK, OCT 06 – At least 120 people have been hospitalized in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, after clashes between the police and protesters who contested the results of the previous day’s parliamentary elections dominated by two parties close to power.
Police used stun grenades and then tear gas to disperse the hundreds of protesters gathered in the city center, some of whom tried to climb through the doors of the presidential palace.
“More than 120 people were hospitalized, many in serious condition,” the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health said in a statement, adding that about half were “law enforcement officials.”
The protesters are demanding the resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and the holding of new parliamentary elections following allegations of fraud and vote buying that have clouded those held on Sunday. In an effort to ease tensions, Sooronbay Jeenbekov’s office announced tonight that the 61-year-old president, who was elected in 2017, will meet with leaders of 16 parties that participated in Tuesday’s elections. In the evening, the Birimdik presidential party, which came first with 25% of the vote, expressed support for a new election, inviting all other parties that passed 7% to do the same. However, the fighting continued even into the night in the streets around Ala-Too Square in Bishkek. (HANDLE).
REPRODUCTION RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
[ad_2]
