The anniversary of the series of demonstrations across Kyrgyzstan that ultimately led to the ouster of its president in April 2010 is approaching, and the United States Embassy would like to take this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens of the importance of emergency preparedness.

 

As seen in the protests of April 2010, the security environment can change unexpectedly and with little warning. You should especially be aware of your surroundings while visiting local markets, bazaars, and other areas of town where large groups of people congregate, and be vigilant when it comes to securing your vehicles, property, and residence.  Central areas of Bishkek are the usual places of protest in the city and particular vigilance should be exercised in those areas.  

 

The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens remain close to their usual place of residence during the days immediately before and after the anniversary. 

 

Further suggestions: 

 

On the evening of December 24, 2010, unknown individuals robbed and held at gunpoint a family of U.S. citizens at their home in a village outside Bishkek. The assailants also stole the family’s vehicle.  This vehicle was located several hours later in the parking lot of the Bishkek Police Headquarters, equipped with an explosive device.  Fortunately the family involved was not hurt during this robbery, and Kyrgyz security forces were able to dismantle the explosive device.With this incident in mind, the Embassy would like to remind everyone to maintain a heightened sense of awareness and to do everything possible to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe.  Below is a list of ways to help ensure your safety. 

 

The Kyrgyz government has informed us that a group seeking to destabilize the security situation in Kyrgyzstan may attempt an attack on government buildings, foreign embassies, and/or international organizations. The Kyrgyz government is heightening security measures and has encouraged foreign embassies and international organizations to do the same. Because of this, the U.S. Embassy asks U.S. citizens to be mindful of their surroundings and to remain alert to individuals or events in and around government buildings, foreign embassies, and international organizations, and to be cautious of suspicious packages. While the Embassy has no information to suggest a specific threat, we also want to remind U.S. citizens that they should be cautious while visiting markets, bazaars, and other areas of town where large groups of people congregate.

 

There has been public speculation that the Kyrgyz parliamentary elections to be held this Sunday, October 10, could lead to civil unrest. While the Embassy has no information indicating that there will be civil unrest or violence, it is important to be prepared for this possibility. During times of potential instability, U.S. citizens should always be prepared to spend several days at home, if necessary. This means having a stock of food, water, and medications, and keeping cell phones charged.  Stores may be closed in the event of any kind of natural emergency or civil disturbance. The Embassy stresses that at this point there is no information to suggest the security situation during or after the elections will deteriorate to the point that an evacuation would be necessary. However, U.S. citizens should always be prepared for such an eventuality. U.S. citizens are reminded to stay away from large crowds and to avoid any demonstrations, even ones that appear to be peaceful. During the lead up to the elections and for the week following, the American Citizens Services Section can be reached after hours in case of emergency at 0550.806.153.

 

On the morning of September 10, there will be a large celebration for Orozo Ait, the end of Ramadan, at Ala-Too Square in the middle of downtown Bishkek. The Embassy anticipates large crowds will gather. In the past, this annual event has proceeded peacefully, and the local police have told the Embassy they do not anticipate any problems. As standard practice, the Embassy advises that American citizens should avoid large crowds and demonstrations. While the Embassy has no information on any specific threat associated with the end of Ramadan, the Embassy recommends that all American citizens keep a lower profile and monitor events during this weekend.

 

The Provisional Government of Kyrgyzstan has scheduled a national Constitutional referendum Sunday, June 27. Citizens of the Republic will be engaged in voting from 0800 to 2000 on this date. While the Embassy has no concrete information on any specific threat or plans for demonstrations, there have been rumors of possible disturbances, and unrest can erupt without notice. We recommend American Citizens to keep a low profile and remain close to their residences during this weekend, avoid public places where large numbers of foreigners are known to gather, and to avoid large crowds. The Embassy recommends that American Citizens should maintain a packed and readily accessible kit for emergency travel. We also suggest that American Citizens should keep at least ¾ tank of gas in vehicles at all times, pack a suitcase with enough clothes for a week, and make sure cell phones are fully charged.

 

BISHKEK -- The U.S. Embassy reminds American citizens that the situation in Bishkek remains unstable. There remains the possibility of large groups of people gathering in various areas of the city. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid downtown Bishkek until the situation stabilizes. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to avoid large crowds and to remain vigilant.

 

OSH - The situation in Osh remain extremely unstable. An airplane carrying American citizens left Osh airport earlier this evening for Bishkek. For those American citizens remaining in Osh, the embassy recommends they remain in their residences or hotels until the situation stabilizes. American citizens in Kyrgyzstan should maintain contact with friends and family in the United states.

As of 0900 this morning, there are reports of serious Kyrgyz-Uzbek clashes in the city of Osh which began overnight. There are reports of heavy gunfire and a number of buildings on fire. The police in Osh report that many roads are blocked by demonstrators, including the road to the Osh airport. The Osh police have advised that all Americans in Osh remain in their residences or hotels until the situation calms down.

 

Today marks the 40th day of remembrance of the protesters who died on April 7th. As of 1100 today, some 1000 people have gathered in front of the Forum at Almatinskaya (Shabdan Baatyra) north of Gorkova. Another convoy of some 50 vehicles of Ata Meken supporters was seen driving down Prospect Chui towards the center of town, possibly heading towards Ala Too Square or Stary Ploshad, between the Historical Museum and Parliament near the American University. These gatherings have been peaceful and there is some police presence. Nonetheless, the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid the area today, to stay away from large crowds, and to avoid any demonstrations. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible and to avoid all large gatherings. We also remind American citizens to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

There will likely be political demonstrations in the Kyrgyz Republic in the coming days. The U.S. Embassy, Bishkek has no specific information on when and where such demonstrations may occur. The Embassy therefore cautions all U.S. citizens to be aware of their surroundings and avoid large crowds, rallies and demonstrations, and advises all U.S. citizens to consider remaining close to their normal places of residence until the security situation becomes clearer. We also remind American citizens to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations, as violence can erupt unexpectedly. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2009, a citizen of the United Kingdom suffered a gunshot wound at a popular Bishkek restaurant. While he is expected to make a full recovery and the local police are investigating the case, the U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens of the increasingly high rate of crime against foreigners and urge them to exercise caution especially when near or frequenting places popular with expatriates.

 

The U.S. Embassy would like to remind citizens of the follow section of our Country Specific Information Sheet: The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution in urban areas of the Kyrgyz Republic due to the high rate of violent crime against foreigners, including U.S. Embassy personnel...

 

Travelers should not take public transportation or walk after dark and should be extremely cautious in or near hotels, bars, parks, and all places that attract an expatriate clientele. The Kyrgyz Republic has a high rate of violent crime due to unemployment and a large number of organized gangs. Muggings occur at any time and can be quite violent, leaving the victim severely injured ...

 

Other common crimes include auto theft and pick pocketing in crowded places such as markets, Internet cafes, and on public transportation. Due to security reasons, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from frequenting the following venues in Bishkek: Club Heaven at the Dostyk Hotel, Fire and Ice Night Club, and Butterfly Nightclub.

 

 

Police officers rarely speak English and there are no victims' assistance programs available. Medical and psychiatric care for victims is limited. Harassment and extortion by people who purport to be Kyrgyz police officers are common. According to Kyrgyz law, any person claiming to be a police officer must show identifying documents on demand. U.S. citizens should not act upon requests by people, whether in civilian dress or in police uniform, if they have no official identification. U.S. citizens also should not get into cars with anyone they do not know, even if the person claims to be a police officer.