More than 1,000 people have demonstrated against the largest gold mining firm operating in Kyrgyzstan -- the Toronto-based Centerra Gold Company. The protesters were demanding the nationalization of the Kumtor mine, which accounts for 12 percent of the Kyrgyz economy. They were also protesting against environmental damage caused by the mining operation as well as alleged accounting irregularities. After clashes with police, three protesters were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
Bishkek Rally Held Against Kumtor Gold Mine
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Hundreds of people gather for a rally against the Kumtor gold mine outside the parliament building in Bishkek on October 3.
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Police officers form a cordon in front of the government headquarters in Bishkek.
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Riot police were also drafted in for the cordon around government headquarters.
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The protesters were angry about environmental damage caused by the mine as well as alleged financial irregularities.
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Some protesters attempt to enter the fenced perimeter around the parliament building.
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Police detain a protester during the rally
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Mounted police patrol on a central square in Bishkek
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The road to the Kumtor gold mine, which lies in the Tien Shan Mountains
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Dump trucks carry extracted gold ore from the mine site to a processing plant.
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Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Jantoro Satybaldiev (second right) listens to Michael Fischer (right), president of Kumtor Operating Company, during an official visit to the Kumtor mine on October 1.