Kyrgyz authorities prevent mass self-immolation
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 November 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kyrgyz authorities prevent mass self-immolation, 20 November 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50b4d0e723.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 20, 2012
By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
Kyrgyz police and fire safety officers have prevented an act of mass self-immolation in Bishkek's Gorky Park.
About 65 women gathered in the park on November 20, demanding lower mortgage and loan interest rates from the country's Central Bank.
At least 10 women poured gasoline on themselves and tried to set themselves on fire, but police and firefighters stopped them.
One of the women was hospitalized with an apparent heart attack.
The women have been protesting the interest rates on loans since September.
A traditional nomadic tent, a yurt, has been set up in the Gorky Park to provide shelter for the protesters.
The women say they will attempt another mass self-immolation on November 21 if their demands are not met.
With reporting by Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website