Protesters demanding the nationalization of Kyrgyzstan's largest gold mine, Kumtor, have barricaded a highway in Issyk-Kul Province in the country's north. The protesters briefly dismantled the roadblock on October 8, but later used burning tires to block transport a second time. Local officials have been holding talks with protest leaders. RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
Protesters Barricade Roads In Kyrgyz Gold Mine Dispute
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Protesters used trees, cars, and a truck to block the highway in Issyk-Kul Province. Some 400 people were at the site of the roadblock at the height of the protest.
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The protesters blocked a bridge leading into the villages of Sara and Darkhan. A day earlier, police in the regional capital, Karakol, dispersed protesters who had taken a regional official hostage for several hours and arrested 23 people. The demonstrators are now demanding the release of their comrades.
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The protesters are demanding the nationalization of Kyrgyzstan's largest gold mine, Kumtor. The first such protest erupted in May, when thousands of demonstrators clashed with police near the mine.
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The incident in May prompted the government to work out a memorandum last month that outlines a new deal with Canada's Centerra Gold on operating the mine.
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