Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Kyrgyzstan

Casualties Reported at Another Kyrgyz Prison Riot

(RFE/RL)

20 October 2005 -- Another prison riot has started at a second prison in Kyrgyzstan, with casualties reported, according to RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.

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October 20, 2005

The Kyrgyz Interior Ministry's press service today said the riot started at the Moldovanovka prison near the capital Bishkek. The press service says preliminary reports say three people may have been killed.

The press service also said it has information that a Kyrgyz member of parliament who was visiting the jail was taken hostage by inmates. This has not been confirmed by Kyrgyz authorities.

On 19 October, casualties occurred at the Novo Pokrovka prison, also near Bishkek.

Ombudsman Tursunbai Bakir-uulu said inmates killed two of their fellow prisoners for allegedly collaborating with prison administration.

RFE/RL's correspondent at the scene said prison officials confirmed just one death.

The riots are part of a series of other protests at Kyrgyz prison facilities since the so-called Tulip Revolution in March. Inmates are demanding better living conditions.

(RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service, ITAR-TASS)

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