President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan addressed the nation regarding the incident that took place in Bishkek from May 17-18. In a video message, the president expressed concern over the event, which he described as troubling for the entire society. He highlighted that the actions of certain groups, which succumbed to provocations without understanding the situation, had put both the state and the people of Kyrgyzstan at risk.
Zhaparov pointed out that on May 18, various information and video materials about an incident that occurred on May 13 were circulated online. This, he said, led to a heightened state of unrest. He criticized law enforcement agencies for not acting promptly or communicating effectively, which might have prevented the situation from escalating. Although the Ministry of Internal Affairs had detained those responsible for the May 13 incident, other forces seeking to worsen the situation exploited the delay. He acknowledged the legitimate concerns of patriotic youth about illegal migration but emphasized that these issues were already being addressed by relevant institutions.
The President also criticized the spread of provocative information by groups on social media, which exacerbated nationalistic sentiments and harmed the country’s development and reputation. He noted that while some individuals attempted to incite riots by spreading false information, the authorities managed to prevent a larger crisis by avoiding the use of force and dispersing the crowds peacefully.
Zhaparov warned that any future attempts to incite violence would be met with strict measures. He emphasized the importance of maintaining order and upholding the rule of law, asserting that the state would not tolerate lynching or mob justice. He called on the public to be cautious of provocations and assured them that law enforcement would handle similar situations more decisively in the future.
The President also addressed the broader implications of the incident for tourism and labor migration. He stressed the importance of maintaining good international relations and warned against actions that could harm Kyrgyzstan’s reputation or its citizens working abroad. He highlighted the need for foreign workers to fill labor shortages in the country, emphasizing that their presence was crucial for the economy.
Zhaparov concluded by urging the youth to exercise patience and resist dubious appeals, warning that the state would take firm action against those who seek to exploit young people for malicious purposes. He affirmed the government’s commitment to justice and national unity, stating that the country’s progress and stability were paramount.
