Protesters in Kyrgyzstan unblock Canadian gold mine, but unrest continues in southern city

CP23614222
Protesters are on their way to cut off electricity at a power transformer unit outside the Kyrgyz town of Barskoon Friday, May 31, 2013. Hundreds of stone-throwing protesters besieged a Canadian gold mine in Kyrgyzstan on Friday, clashing violently with riot police and prompting the president to declare a state of emergency. Protesters want the northeastern Kumtor gold mine to be nationalized and the company to provide more benefits. (AP Photo/Vladimir Voronin)

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Protesters have lifted their blockade of a Canadian gold mine in Kyrgyzstan’s east, but their supporters in the south are continuing their siege of a local governor’s headquarters.

Hundreds of stone-throwing protesters besieged the Kumtor gold mine, operated by Toronto-based Centerra Gold, for several days, demanding its nationalization and more social benefits. They blocked a road leading to the mine and cut power supplies. On Friday, more than 50 people were wounded and 80 detained in violent clashes between protesters and riot police.

The Kyrgyz government said Saturday that protesters have unblocked the road and electricity supply to the mine was restored.

But protesters in the southern city of Jalal-Abad who stormed the governor’s office Friday have retained control of the building.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles