themoscowtimes--2020-10-05--Russia Investigates Mysterious Marine Animal Deaths in Kamchatka

Authorities in Far East Russia believe the recent mass deaths of marine animals along the Pacific coast could be the result of manmade pollution , natural phenomena or a volcano-related earthquake .
Kamchatka region governor Vladimir Solodov put forward the three theories after images showing hundreds of dead marine animals washed up on the shore of Khalaktyrsky beach , a popular tourist destination , went viral over the weekend .
Local surfers and swimmers first noticed a potential problem three weeks ago when they reported experiencing eye pain , sore throats , vomiting and fever after going into the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the spill of toxic substances , is among the considered versions ” of what caused the disaster , Solodov said Friday .
“ Scientists say this may also be due to a natural phenomena related to the behavior of algae that washed up on the shore during a storm , ” he added .
“ We ’ re also looking into a theory of seismic activity linked to volcanoes.
” The governor said the authorities could not narrow down the leads until they receive comprehensive water test results .
Greenpeace said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach showed petroleum levels four times higher than normal , and levels of the toxic organic compound phenol were also 2.5 times higher .
Regional health officials said nine people , including one child , who came into contact with the water had sought medical assistance for chemical burns between Sept. 26-29 and over the weekend .
They complained of red and burning eyes as well as blurred vision and were discharged after rinsing and administering antibacterial eye drops , the Kamchatka health administration ’ s chief freelance ophthalmologist Irina Zablotskaya said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the event that activists call an environmental disaster after it earned national media attention late last week .
Reports suggested a commercial oil tanker leak may have caused the contamination , but environmentalists countered that it may have come from a secretive plant located nearby .
The site of the deaths is also near one of the Russian Navy ’ s Pacific Fleet bases , which has denied that its activities could have caused the disaster .

Authorities in Far East Russia believe the recent mass deaths of marine animals along the Pacific coast could be the result of manmade pollution, natural phenomena or a volcano-related earthquake. Kamchatka region governor Vladimir Solodov put forward the three theories after images showing hundreds of dead marine animals washed up on the shore of Khalaktyrsky beach, a popular tourist destination, went viral over the weekend. Local surfers and swimmers first noticed a potential problem three weeks ago when they reported experiencing eye pain, sore throats, vomiting and fever after going into the water.
“Pollution associated with human activity, with the spill of toxic substances, is among the considered versions” of what caused the disaster, Solodov said Friday. “Scientists say this may also be due to a natural phenomena related to the behavior of algae that washed up on the shore during a storm,” he added. “We’re also looking into a theory of seismic activity linked to volcanoes.” The governor said the authorities could not narrow down the leads until they receive comprehensive water test results. Greenpeace said tests of water samples from around Khalaktyrsky beach showed petroleum levels four times higher than normal, and levels of the toxic organic compound phenol were also 2.5 times higher.
На Камчатке произошла утечка нефтепродуктов, из-за чего погибли тысячи морских жителей: моллюски, крабы, ежи, мидии-ценнейший морской биоресурс.
Предстоит оценить масштабы экокатастрофы 😱
Также, получили ожоги роговицы глаз люди, которые отдыхали на пляже неподалеку pic.twitter.com/laxJRVpBSh — Dmitry78 (@Dmitry788) October 2, 2020


themoscowtimes--2020-10-05--News From Russia: What You Missed Over the Weekend

Fears are mounting over an environmental disaster in Russia 's Far East after locals shared images of dozens of dead octopuses , sea urchins , crabs and other marine animals from the Pacific Ocean washing up on shore .
Greenpeace said tests conducted on water samples taken from around Khalaktyrsky beach in the Kamchatka region showed petroleum levels four times higher than usual , and phenol levels were also 2.5 times higher .
Armenian and Azerbaijani forces exchanged heavy rocket and artillery fire as fighting intensified over Nagorno-Karabakh on Saturday and Sunday .
Each side accused the other of targeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week after heavy fighting broke out in the decades-old dispute over the ethnic-Armenian region .
Armenia and Azerbaijan have resisted international calls for a ceasefire and clashes have intensified in recent days , with both sides claiming victories on the front and saying they are inflicting heavy losses .
Belarusian police on Sunday used water cannon to disperse a rally in Minsk as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in the latest weekend protest against strongman Alexander Lukashenko 's rule .
Rights group Viasna said 225 demonstrators were detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as other cities including Vitebsk and Gomel , during the marches , which were held in honor of political prisoners .
Dozens of Nizhny Novgorod residents marched Saturday and Sunday in memory of Irina Slavina , the editor-in-chief of a local news outlet who died after setting herself on fire outside police headquarters Friday .
Slavina , 47 , wrote on Facebook that her death should be blamed on “ the Russian Federation.
” Her self-immolation came a day after local security forces raided her home in search of evidence of her involvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Covid-19 cases Sunday , the highest one-day increase since the height of the outbreak in mid-May .
Officials in Moscow , which has imposed remote work measures and extended school holidays starting Monday , are urging residents to follow health guidelines to avoid more restrictions .

Kamchatka 'catastrophe' Fears are mounting over an environmental disaster in Russia's Far East after locals shared images of dozens of dead octopuses, sea urchins, crabs and other marine animals from the Pacific Ocean washing up on shore.
Greenpeace said tests conducted on water samples taken from around Khalaktyrsky beach in the Kamchatka region showed petroleum levels four times higher than usual, and phenol levels were also 2.5 times higher. Karabakh flare-up Armenian and Azerbaijani forces exchanged heavy rocket and artillery fire as fighting intensified over Nagorno-Karabakh on Saturday and Sunday. Each side accused the other of targeting civilian areas, as the conflict widened a week after heavy fighting broke out in the decades-old dispute over the ethnic-Armenian region.
Just released footage of the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, Stepanakert, under Azerbaijani bombardment on the 4th of october 2020. #Armenia #Artsakh #Azerbaijan pic.twitter.com/9g3bDkbdO2 — Mikhail D. (@Eire_QC) October 4, 2020
Armenia and Azerbaijan have resisted international calls for a ceasefire and clashes have intensified in recent days, with both sides claiming victories on the front and saying they are inflicting heavy losses. 'For political prisoners' Belarusian police on Sunday used water cannon to disperse a rally in Minsk as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in the latest weekend protest against strongman Alexander Lukashenko's rule. Rights group Viasna said 225 demonstrators were detained in the capital Minsk, as well as other cities including Vitebsk and Gomel, during the marches, which were held in honor of political prisoners. Solemn tribute Dozens of Nizhny Novgorod residents marched Saturday and Sunday in memory of Irina Slavina, the editor-in-chief of a local news outlet who died after setting herself on fire outside police headquarters Friday.
В Нижнем Новгороде началось стихийное шествие в память об Ирине Славиной. Видео: @mbkhmedia pic.twitter.com/AR4jeIrTLH — МБХ Медиа (@MBKhMedia) October 4, 2020


themoscowtimes--2020-10-05--Kyrgyz Police Disperse Bishkek Post-Vote Protest With Stun Grenades

Riot police in Kyrgyzstan 's capital Bishkek used water cannon , stun grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters at a rally against the results of a parliamentary vote late Monday .
Dozens of demonstrators scaled gates guarding the house of government after thousands gathered to protest the results of Sunday 's vote that was marked by allegations of vote-buying and left two parties close to President Sooronbay Jeenbekov dominating the parliament .
Police repulsed the protesters ' attempt to storm the seat of government and pursued them , forcing them to scatter in different directions through the capital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners in the vicinity of the protest had begun removing goods from their stores in anticipation of possible looting .
Looting was a feature in two popular uprisings that overthrew authoritarian presidents in 2005 and 2010 , but the former Soviet country has enjoyed relative stability for the last decade .
Dissatisfaction with corruption and the domination of politics by powerful clans has increased with the economic challenges of the coronavirus fallout .
The protest led by losing parties that say they were muscled out of the legislature by the larger parties ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resign .
`` Jeenbekov out , Jeenbekov out , '' the crowd shouted .
The rally had previously been peaceful with popular artists from the Central Asian country singing and addressing the crowd .
Singer Mirbek Atabekov was one of several popular artists to attend the protest that began in the early afternoon and continued as the night drew in .
He told the crowd that `` politicians put money above everything . ''
`` We came out against that , '' he said , warning the crowd not to `` rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyrgyzstan , two parties that favour deeper integration with Moscow , scooped a quarter of the vote each , according to the preliminary count .
Birimdik includes the president 's younger brother Asylbek Jeenbekov , while Mekenim Kyrgyzstan is seen by critics as a vehicle for the interests of a powerful clan .

Photos published by Radio Free Europe later showed protesters strolling around the building unhindered.
Police used water cannon, stun grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to force their way through the gates of the building that houses the former Soviet republic's parliament and presidential offices.
Opposition supporters hit the streets of the capital Bishkek the previous evening to demand the resignation of pro-Russian President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and a re-run of Sunday's poll.
Protesters seized Kyrgyzstan's seat of government and freed a jailed former president on Tuesday after demonstrations against an election marred by vote-buying accusations spiralled into violent clashes with police.
A crowd of around 2,000 people then forced their way into the nearby National Security Committee building, where former president Almazbek Atambayev was jailed.
Adil Turdukuov, an activist and ally of Atambayev who witnessed the release said the ex-leader was freed "without force or use of any weapons" and that national security officials had not attempted to halt protesters.
"They surrendered," he added.
Footage posted on social media showed Atambayev, 64, greeting supporters after he left jail, where he was serving an 11-year-sentence for his role in the illegal release of a mob boss.
Atambayev was once close with his successor Jeenbekov, but the pair fell out shortly after the 61-year-old won the country's last presidential election in 2017.
Both men are viewed as loyal allies of Russia, whose strategic position in the country is likely to remain unaffected despite the unrest.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin tried to broker a peace between the pair last year but could not prevent Atambayev's arrest.
Clashes through the night
The two parties that swept Sunday's poll are supportive of the current president and hostile towards his predecessor.
But both were viewed by rival parties of coordinating a massive vote-buying campaign.
Monday's clashes began after an initially peaceful rally held by losing parties spun out of control.
Police attempted to disperse protesters when they first attempted to force their way to the main government building, known as the White House, on Monday evening.
At one point a Radio Free Europe live feed showed police throwing stun grenades as they struggled to push back protesters, who appeared to have set several bins on fire in one particularly fierce exchange.
Health authorities said at least 120 people were being treated for injuries, but there were no reports of deaths by late Monday.
Opposition supporters had called for a re-run of Sunday's election after an international monitoring mission organized by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe called "credible allegations" of vote-buying.
The preliminary count showed two pro-presidency parties, Birimdik and Mekenim Kyrgyzstan, who both favor deeper integration with Moscow, together taking around half of the vote.
Birimdik, which includes the president's younger brother Asylbek Jeenbekov, said it was open to a re-run of the vote on Monday, but by that time police were already struggling to bring protesters under control.
Opposition parties earlier distanced themselves from the first attempt to storm the government complex.
Ata-Meken member Elvira Surabaldiyeva told AFP her party had no role in the incident, which she blamed on "provocateurs."
But she added that her party would "stand with the people to the end."
'Jeenbekov out'
Mobile phone and mobile internet connections were poor or non-existent as the night unfolded.
Eyewitnesses told AFP that shop owners in the vicinity of the protest had begun removing goods from their stores in anticipation of possible looting.
Looting was a feature in two popular uprisings that overthrew authoritarian presidents in 2005 and 2010, but the former Soviet country has enjoyed relative stability for the last decade.
Dissatisfaction with corruption and the domination of politics by powerful clans has increased with the economic challenges of the coronavirus fallout.
Thousands had gathered in central Bishkek for Monday's protest to denounce the results of the latest vote.
Popular singers joined politicians in addressing the crowd, who responded with chants of "Jeenbekov out."
"The president promised to oversee honest elections. He didn't keep his word," one opposition candidate, Ryskeldi Mombekov, told the protesters.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-05--Russia Sees Warmest September in Recorded History

Nearly every geographical region except southeast Russia experienced temperatures several degrees above their September averages , according to the Russian Hydrometeorology Center ’ s chief specialist Marina Makarova .
Russia experienced the warmest September in its 130-year recorded history last month , the state weather service said Monday as climate change continues to reshape the country ’ s weather patterns .
“ The largest anomalies were observed in north Eurasia where temperatures exceeded the average by 5-6 degrees [ Celsius ] , ” she told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency .
A wide stretch of Arctic land spanning more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than average in September , Makarova added .
“ New temperature records were repeatedly set throughout the month there .
[ Russia ’ s ] temperature anomaly was mainly due to the northern regions , ” she told RIA Novosti .
The northern and western parts of European Russia saw temperatures 2-3 degrees above September averages , Markova added .
“ It was Russia ’ s warmest [ September ] in the entire 130-year history of measurements , ” she said .
The first six months of 2020 broke Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter .
The previous year was also declared the hottest year on record in Russia .

Nearly every geographical region except southeast Russia experienced temperatures several degrees above their September averages, according to the Russian Hydrometeorology Center’s chief specialist Marina Makarova.
Russia experienced the warmest September in its 130-year recorded history last month, the state weather service said Monday as climate change continues to reshape the country’s weather patterns.
“The largest anomalies were observed in north Eurasia where temperatures exceeded the average by 5-6 degrees [Celsius],” she told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency.
A wide stretch of Arctic land spanning more than 2,000 kilometers recorded temperatures 4 C higher than average in September, Makarova added.
“New temperature records were repeatedly set throughout the month there. [Russia’s] temperature anomaly was mainly due to the northern regions,” she told RIA Novosti.
The northern and western parts of European Russia saw temperatures 2-3 degrees above September averages, Markova added.
“It was Russia’s warmest [September] in the entire 130-year history of measurements,” she said.
The first six months of 2020 broke Russia’s heat records due to an unusually warm winter. The previous year was also declared the hottest year on record in Russia.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-07--Armenia Prime Minister Says Turkey Behind 'War' in Karabakh

Turkey 's `` full support '' motivated its ally Azerbaijan to reignite fighting in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Tuesday in an interview with AFP , calling the escalating conflict a `` war against terrorism '' .
`` While it is true that the leadership of Azerbaijan has been actively promoting bellicose rhetoric for the last 15 years , now the decision to unleash a war was motivated by Turkey 's full support , '' the 45-year-old premier said .
`` Without Turkey 's active engagement this war would have not begun , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sumptuous room of the Government House in the heart of Armenian capital Yerevan .
The prime minister arrived in a motorcade with wailing sirens , while armed soldiers in combat gear manned the entrance to the imposing building , built in the era of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin .
Pashinyan nevertheless projected an air of calm , speaking slowly and weighing every word as he condemned Azerbaijan for waging a `` terrorist war against a people struggling for their freedom . ''
Pashinyan , a former newspaper editor , became prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in protests against the ruling party , channeling a widespread desire for change and calling for good relations with both Russia and the West .
He stressed that the latest fighting is `` not simply a new escalation of the Karabakh conflict , '' a territorial decades-old dispute over the majority ethnic Armenian mountainous region between Armenia and Azerbaijan , a mainly Muslim Turkic country that is a close ally of Turkey .
The current conflict has seen the `` active engagement of terrorist groups from the Middle East in the conflict zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role of Armenian forces as a `` counter-terrorism operation . ''
Turkey has been accused of deploying fighters from Syria to support Azerbaijan in Karabakh .
French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that `` jihadists '' had arrived in the region , accusing Turkey of crossing a `` red line '' .
Armenia also accuses Turkish forces of fighting directly in the region , and Pashinyan said Turkey 's F-16 fighter jets were `` actively engaged '' in the conflict .
Turkey has denied this and no firm evidence has been presented .
Pashinyan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of its `` policy of Armenian genocide . ''
`` Turkey has returned to the South Caucasus to continue the Armenian genocide , '' he said .
Armenians say that up to 1.5 million people were killed by Ottoman Turks during World War I in what amounted to genocide , a claim supported by some 30 countries .
Turkey rejects the genocide label and says that Turks also died in civil strife .
Armenia has become `` the last obstacle '' to Turkish expansion , Pashinyan said .
He warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this situation by its name , '' it could see Turkish forces outside Vienna , referring to the Ottoman Empire laying siege to the city in the 17th century .
Yet if the current conflict deteriorates so far that Armenia experiences a direct attack on its territory , Pashinyan said he is sure that his nation 's key ally Russia would come to its aid due to the two countries ' membership in a military alliance .
`` In case of a security threat to Armenia , Russia 's engagement will be subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident that as per the situation ... Russia will uphold its treaty obligations , '' the prime minister said .
As for the international community and the European leaders with whom Pashinyan has been exchanging multiple phone calls in recent days , he said that `` the best response ... to this terrorist operation would be to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh . ''
The region is not currently recognized by any UN member state -- not even Armenia .
Fierce fighting reignited in Karabakh 10 days ago and has caused at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely short of the real total .
Neither side appears to have taken a decisive lead on the ground .

Turkey's "full support" motivated its ally Azerbaijan to reignite fighting in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Tuesday in an interview with AFP, calling the escalating conflict a "war against terrorism." "While it is true that the leadership of Azerbaijan has been actively promoting bellicose rhetoric for the last 15 years, now the decision to unleash a war was motivated by Turkey's full support," the 45-year-old premier said. "Without Turkey's active engagement this war would have not begun," he added, speaking to AFP in a sumptuous room of the Government House in the heart of Armenian capital Yerevan. The prime minister arrived in a motorcade with wailing sirens, while armed soldiers in combat gear manned the entrance to the imposing building, built in the era of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Pashinyan nevertheless projected an air of calm, speaking slowly and weighing every word as he condemned Azerbaijan for waging a "terrorist war against a people struggling for their freedom." Pashinyan, a former newspaper editor, became prime minister in 2018 after leading tens of thousands in protests against the ruling party, channeling a widespread desire for change and calling for good relations with both Russia and the West.
He stressed that the latest fighting is "not simply a new escalation of the Karabakh conflict," a territorial decades-old dispute over the majority ethnic Armenian mountainous region between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a mainly Muslim Turkic country that is a close ally of Turkey. The current conflict has seen the "active engagement of terrorist groups from the Middle East in the conflict zone," Pashinyan said, describing the role of Armenian forces as a "counter-terrorism operation." Turkey has been accused of deploying fighters from Syria to support Azerbaijan in Karabakh. French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that "jihadists" had arrived in the region, accusing Turkey of crossing a "red line." Armenia also accuses Turkish forces of fighting directly in the region, and Pashinyan said Turkey's F-16 fighter jets were "actively engaged" in the conflict. Turkey has denied this and no firm evidence has been presented.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-06--95% of Marine Life on Sea Floor Killed in Kamchatka Eco-Disaster, Scientists Say

Nearly all seafloor-dwelling life in pollution-hit waters off Russia ’ s Pacific coast in the Kamchatka region has been wiped out in an unexplained mass death of marine animals , scientists told the region ’ s governor Tuesday .
Images showing hundreds of dead octopuses , large fish , sea urchins and crabs washed up on the shore of Khalaktyrsky beach went viral over the weekend as environmentalists sounded the alarm over an ecological disaster .
Kamchatka governor Vladimir Solodov said that authorities were considering manmade pollution , natural phenomena or a volcano-related earthquake as possible causes of the mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of marine life along the seabed in Avacha Bay has been killed , scientists told Solodov Tuesday following an expedition to the area to collect water samples , search for dead wildlife and carry out a survey dive .
“ On the shore , we also did not find any large dead sea animals or birds , ” scientist Ivan Usatov said at the meeting .
“ However , when diving , we found that there is a mass death of benthos [ bottom-dwelling organisms ] at depths from 10 to 15 meters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large fish , shrimps and crabs have survived , but in very small numbers .
”

Nearly all seafloor-dwelling life in pollution-hit waters off Russia’s Pacific coast in the Kamchatka region has been wiped out in an unexplained mass death of marine animals, scientists told the region’s governor Tuesday.
Images showing hundreds of dead octopuses, large fish, sea urchins and crabs washed up on the shore of Khalaktyrsky beach went viral over the weekend as environmentalists sounded the alarm over an ecological disaster. Kamchatka governor Vladimir Solodov said that authorities were considering manmade pollution, natural phenomena or a volcano-related earthquake as possible causes of the mass deaths.
As much as 95% of marine life along the seabed in Avacha Bay has been killed, scientists told Solodov Tuesday following an expedition to the area to collect water samples, search for dead wildlife and carry out a survey dive.
“On the shore, we also did not find any large dead sea animals or birds,” scientist Ivan Usatov said at the meeting. “However, when diving, we found that there is a mass death of benthos [bottom-dwelling organisms] at depths from 10 to 15 meters — 95% are dead. Some large fish, shrimps and crabs have survived, but in very small numbers.”


themoscowtimes--2020-10-06--‘The People Captured Power Themselves’: Kyrgyzstan Cleans Up After Night of Chaos

By Tuesday the Central Asian nation ’ s Central Electoral Commission had canceled the result of the vote after a tumultuous night that saw protesters storm government headquarters and clash with riot police , leaving 686 injured and at least one dead .
BISHKEK — Store owners in Kyrgyzstan 's capital spent Monday emptying their premises of stock and boarding up the facades .
The day after disputed parliamentary elections triggered widespread protests , they wanted to avoid the looting they ’ d seen in previous revolutions in 2005 and 2010 .
Activists freed several jailed politicians , including incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and opposition politicians formed a so-called “ coordination council ” with the stated aim of “ returning to the rule of law.
” “ The protesters didn ’ t touch a single store , the people made this revolution themselves , ” Abdimital Jumabekov , a 35-year old logistics entrepreneur who became unintentionally caught up in the events , told The Moscow Times .
“ If anyone claims to have led this revolution they are wrong , all the bureaucrats , deputies and leaders fled when they started shooting from water cannons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he added .
Jeenbekov in a video address Tuesday accused “ a number of political forces ” of attempting to seize power and has not stepped down .
His whereabouts are unknown , according to local media .
People continued to protest all day Tuesday throughout the center of Bishkek — gathering in groups ranging from a few dozen to several hundred from the city ’ s central square to the torched seat of government known as the White House .
Prominent activist Askar Almaz uulu , 27 , created a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that people who know how to work and who want to work come to power.
” He also put out a call on social media for volunteers to protect private property in this uncertain period .
“ Our main goal as young residents with an active stance is to stabilize the situation and defend our city from unrest , ” he said , adding that the protesters have taken drastic measures because of their mistrust of the authorities and the election .
“ It wasn ’ t the leaders of political parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Bishkek was calm before sunset Tuesday , with only the occasional burned-out car at the side of the road or broken store window reflecting the violence of the night before .
Volunteers had been quick to mobilize and help municipal services sweep debris from rubber bullets and Molotov cocktails from the streets .

By Tuesday the Central Asian nation’s Central Electoral Commission had canceled the result of the vote after a tumultuous night that saw protesters storm government headquarters and clash with riot police, leaving 686 injured and at least one dead.
BISHKEK — Store owners in Kyrgyzstan's capital spent Monday emptying their premises of stock and boarding up the facades. The day after disputed parliamentary elections triggered widespread protests, they wanted to avoid the looting they’d seen in previous revolutions in 2005 and 2010.
Activists freed several jailed politicians, including incumbent President Sooronbay Jeenbekov’s predecessor, and opposition politicians formed a so-called “coordination council” with the stated aim of “returning to the rule of law.”
“The protesters didn’t touch a single store, the people made this revolution themselves,” Abdimital Jumabekov, a 35-year old logistics entrepreneur who became unintentionally caught up in the events, told The Moscow Times. “If anyone claims to have led this revolution they are wrong, all the bureaucrats, deputies and leaders fled when they started shooting from water cannons, using pepper spray and throwing flash-bang grenades,” he added.
Jeenbekov in a video address Tuesday accused “a number of political forces” of attempting to seize power and has not stepped down. His whereabouts are unknown, according to local media.
People continued to protest all day Tuesday throughout the center of Bishkek — gathering in groups ranging from a few dozen to several hundred from the city’s central square to the torched seat of government known as the White House.
Prominent activist Askar Almaz uulu, 27, created a group to push for new elections “so that people who know how to work and who want to work come to power.”
He also put out a call on social media for volunteers to protect private property in this uncertain period.
“Our main goal as young residents with an active stance is to stabilize the situation and defend our city from unrest,” he said, adding that the protesters have taken drastic measures because of their mistrust of the authorities and the election.
“It wasn’t the leaders of political parties who seized power but the people,” he said.
Bishkek was calm before sunset Tuesday, with only the occasional burned-out car at the side of the road or broken store window reflecting the violence of the night before.
Volunteers had been quick to mobilize and help municipal services sweep debris from rubber bullets and Molotov cocktails from the streets.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-06--Watchdog Says Novichok-Type Nerve Agent Found in Navalny Samples

The findings by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) confirm similar results by a military laboratory in Germany , where Navalny was treated in hospital , and labs in France and Sweden .
The global chemical weapons watchdog said on Tuesday that samples taken from Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny , who claims he was poisoned by the Kremlin , contained a Novichok-type nerve agent .
OPCW chief Fernando Arias `` considered that these results constitute a matter of grave concern , '' the Hague-based watchdog said in a statement .
The OPCW said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navalny in Germany by the watchdog 's own experts contained signs of a `` cholinesterase inhibitor '' — a type of nerve agent .
The traces `` have similar structural characteristics as the toxic chemicals '' found in two Novichok chemicals that were banned by the Hague-based body in 2019 .
The specific type of Novichok found in the Navalny samples was however not itself one of those placed on the banned list last year , the OPCW added .
Germany had formally requested the OPCW 's `` technical assistance , '' which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they believe there has been a chemical weapons incident .
OPCW chief Arias added that `` the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances ( is ) reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community . ''
He said it was `` important now '' for ( OPCW member states ) `` to uphold the norm they have decided to adhere to more than 25 years ago '' when they signed the UN Chemical Weapons Convention .
Navalny was medically evacuated to Germany in late August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending several days in a Siberian hospital .
Tests by a German military laboratory found he was poisoned with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok .
Russia insists its medical tests did not find poison in Navalny 's system and has not accepted Germany 's declarations , saying it requires more evidence .

The findings by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirm similar results by a military laboratory in Germany, where Navalny was treated in hospital, and labs in France and Sweden.
The global chemical weapons watchdog said on Tuesday that samples taken from Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who claims he was poisoned by the Kremlin, contained a Novichok-type nerve agent.
OPCW chief Fernando Arias "considered that these results constitute a matter of grave concern," the Hague-based watchdog said in a statement.
The OPCW said that the blood and urine samples taken from Navalny in Germany by the watchdog's own experts contained signs of a "cholinesterase inhibitor" — a type of nerve agent.
The traces "have similar structural characteristics as the toxic chemicals" found in two Novichok chemicals that were banned by the Hague-based body in 2019.
The specific type of Novichok found in the Navalny samples was however not itself one of those placed on the banned list last year, the OPCW added.
Germany had formally requested the OPCW's "technical assistance," which member states are entitled to do when they believe there has been a chemical weapons incident.
OPCW chief Arias added that "the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances (is) reprehensible and wholly contrary to the legal norms established by the international community."
He said it was "important now" for (OPCW member states) "to uphold the norm they have decided to adhere to more than 25 years ago" when they signed the UN Chemical Weapons Convention.
Navalny was medically evacuated to Germany in late August after falling ill on a plane and spending several days in a Siberian hospital.
Tests by a German military laboratory found he was poisoned with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok.
Russia insists its medical tests did not find poison in Navalny's system and has not accepted Germany's declarations, saying it requires more evidence.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-06--Navalny Says Hopes for Return To Russia Within 'Months'

Looking thin but smiling and lively , the 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner told Dud he was n't sure how long he will stay in Germany , where he is undergoing physiotherapy .
In his first interview for a Russian audience , Navalny spoke Tuesday to a popular YouTube blogger , Yury Dud , in a video that has been already viewed more than 1.8 million times .
Opposition politician Alexei Navalny said Tuesday he hoped to return to Russia within months as he recovers in Berlin from poisoning that he says was ordered by the Kremlin .
`` It could very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Definitely not a year , '' he said , adding that doctors have admitted they have little experience of such a case .
Navalny was medically evacuated to Germany in late August after falling ill on a plane and spending several days in a Siberian hospital .
Tests by a German military laboratory found he was poisoned with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok .
`` I rule out the option '' of not returning to Russia , said Navalny , who was visited by German Chancellor Angela Merkel while he was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trembling hands , saying he is working to restore his movement after Novichok caused nerve damage .
He also admitted difficulty with mental arithmetic .
The use of Novichok is `` circumstantial evidence that this was of course a Kremlin order , '' he said , suggesting that only a handful of people had access to the nerve agent .
`` It 's maybe five people in the SVR ( Russian foreign intelligence ) and five people in the FSB ( security service ) , '' he said , ruling out a wealthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My version is that this was done by either officers of the FSB or SVR on the order , of course , of Putin , '' he said .
He described his poisoning as `` quite a cunning operation . ''
Russia insists its medical tests did not find poison in Navalny 's system and has not accepted Germany 's declarations , saying it requires more evidence .

Looking thin but smiling and lively, the 44-year-old anti-corruption campaigner told Dud he wasn't sure how long he will stay in Germany, where he is undergoing physiotherapy.
In his first interview for a Russian audience, Navalny spoke Tuesday to a popular YouTube blogger, Yury Dud, in a video that has been already viewed more than 1.8 million times.
Opposition politician Alexei Navalny said Tuesday he hoped to return to Russia within months as he recovers in Berlin from poisoning that he says was ordered by the Kremlin.
"It could very well be three weeks or two months. Definitely not a year," he said, adding that doctors have admitted they have little experience of such a case.
Navalny was medically evacuated to Germany in late August after falling ill on a plane and spending several days in a Siberian hospital.
Tests by a German military laboratory found he was poisoned with the Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok.
"I rule out the option" of not returning to Russia, said Navalny, who was visited by German Chancellor Angela Merkel while he was in a Berlin hospital.
He showed his trembling hands, saying he is working to restore his movement after Novichok caused nerve damage. He also admitted difficulty with mental arithmetic.
A 'Kremlin order'
The use of Novichok is "circumstantial evidence that this was of course a Kremlin order," he said, suggesting that only a handful of people had access to the nerve agent.
"It's maybe five people in the SVR (Russian foreign intelligence) and five people in the FSB (security service)," he said, ruling out a wealthy oligarch or someone involved in high-level corruption.
"My version is that this was done by either officers of the FSB or SVR on the order, of course, of Putin," he said.
He described his poisoning as "quite a cunning operation."
Russia insists its medical tests did not find poison in Navalny's system and has not accepted Germany's declarations, saying it requires more evidence.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-06--Russian Activists Demand End to Intimidation at Funeral of Journalist Who Set Herself on Fire

Hundreds of Russians on Tuesday held a memorial procession for a journalist who died after setting herself on fire while @ @ @ @ @ to the police intimidation that is believed to have triggered her self-immolation .
Irina Slavina @ @ @ @ @ independent KozaPress news outlet , died Friday after setting herself on fire in front of @ @ @ @ @ .
Her last social media post told her followers to “ blame the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ which happened a day after police raided her home for evidence of her involvement with @ @ @ @ @ people attended Tuesday ’ s funeral service , which was followed by a procession through @ @ @ @ @ of Slavina ’ s death , the Meduza news website reported .
Nizhny Novgorod region @ @ @ @ @ those who attended the funeral service , his spokesperson told the Podyom news outlet .
@ @ @ @ @ , Nikitin vowed to “ ensure that an investigation into the circumstances that led to @ @ @ @ @ at the highest level . ''

Hundreds of Russians on Tuesday held a memorial procession for a journalist who died after setting herself on fire while rights groups demanded an end to the police intimidation that is believed to have triggered her self-immolation.
Irina Slavina, the editor-in-chief of the independent KozaPress news outlet, died Friday after setting herself on fire in front of the Nizhny Novgorod police headquarters. Her last social media post told her followers to “blame the Russian Federation” for her death, which happened a day after police raided her home for evidence of her involvement with the opposition.
Some 200 people attended Tuesday’s funeral service, which was followed by a procession through Nizhny Novgorod toward the site of Slavina’s death, the Meduza news website reported.
Nizhny Novgorod region Governor Gleb Nikitin was among those who attended the funeral service, his spokesperson told the Podyom news outlet. Following Slavina’s death, Nikitin vowed to “ensure that an investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy is carried out at the highest level."


themoscowtimes--2020-10-06--Kyrgyzstan Cancels Election Result After Night of Chaos

The ex-Soviet nation 's Central Electoral Commission said in a statement that it had `` invalidated the election results '' which saw parties close to pro-Russian President Sooronbay Jeenbekov score big wins amid accusations of mass vote-buying campaigns .
Kyrgyzstan 's electoral body said Tuesday it was canceling the results of a disputed parliamentary vote that plunged the Central Asian nation into violence and political chaos .
The results sparked a tumultuous night of protests and clashes in the capital Bishkek , with protesters seizing government buildings and freeing high-profile politicians including ex-president Almazbek Atambayev .
The clashes left dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking care in hospitals .
A health ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday that one of the injured had died — a man wearing civilian clothes .
The ministry had not yet identified the victim , she told AFP by telephone .
The crisis — reminiscent of revolutions that saw presidents toppled in 2005 and 2010 — will be closely watched by Russia , which maintains a military base in the landlocked republic of 6.5 million , and neighboring China .
Moscow 's embassy in Bishkek on Tuesday called for `` a legal solution '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of citizens , internal stability should be a priority , '' it added .
Opposition politicians including a former prime minister and several party leaders said they had formed a `` coordination council '' to restore stability and `` return to the rule of law . ''
The council issued a statement criticizing Jeenbekov for failing to honor a promise to provide equal conditions for the parties competing in the vote .
Jeenbekov 's office has insisted the situation in the country is under his control , while the president accused `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seize power .
`` I ordered law enforcement agencies not to open fire or shed blood , so as not to endanger the life of a single citizen , '' Jeenbekov said .
He said he had `` suggested that the Central Election Commission carefully investigate the violations and , if necessary , annul the election results '' that sparked the unrest .
Along with Atambayev — a bitter rival of Jeenbekov — two former prime ministers and two former lawmakers were released from jail , media reported .
On Tuesday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was also freed by protesters — called for him to be made prime minister or president at a gathering outside the building that houses Jeenbekov 's office and parliament .
An AFP correspondent saw broken windows and debris strewn around the rooms of the building .
Its exits were being guarded by protesters , with no official security presence in sight .
Volunteers were handing out tea and helping municipal services cleaning up .
Media reported that Omurbek Suvanaliyev , whose party Butun Kyrgyzstan scraped into parliament according to preliminary results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not clear who had appointed Suvanaliyev or what legal force the appointment had .
A preliminary count of the election results showed two pro-presidency parties , Birimdik and Mekenim Kyrgyzstan , dominating the new parliament and three parties represented in the outgoing parliament left out in the cold .
Opposition supporters poured onto Bishkek 's streets the previous evening to demand Jeenbekov 's resignation and a re-run of Sunday 's poll .
The peaceful demonstrations in Bishkek turned violent after a column of protesters marched on the White House , home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used water cannon , stun grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to force their way through the gates of the building .
Demonstrators later returned and surrounded the building , eventually breaking in and later marching to the State National Security Committee building where former president Atambayev was jailed .
Footage posted on social media showed the 64-year-old greeting supporters after he left jail , where he was serving an 11-year-sentence for his role in the illegal release from jail of a mob boss .
Atambayev was once close with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out shortly after the 61-year-old won 2017 presidential elections .
Both men are viewed as loyal allies of Russia , a destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrants , whose strategic position in the country is likely to remain unaffected despite the unrest .

The ex-Soviet nation's Central Electoral Commission said in a statement that it had "invalidated the election results" which saw parties close to pro-Russian President Sooronbay Jeenbekov score big wins amid accusations of mass vote-buying campaigns.
Kyrgyzstan's electoral body said Tuesday it was canceling the results of a disputed parliamentary vote that plunged the Central Asian nation into violence and political chaos.
The results sparked a tumultuous night of protests and clashes in the capital Bishkek, with protesters seizing government buildings and freeing high-profile politicians including ex-president Almazbek Atambayev.
The clashes left dozens injured, with more than 100 people seeking care in hospitals.
A health ministry spokeswoman said Tuesday that one of the injured had died — a man wearing civilian clothes. The ministry had not yet identified the victim, she told AFP by telephone.
The crisis — reminiscent of revolutions that saw presidents toppled in 2005 and 2010 — will be closely watched by Russia, which maintains a military base in the landlocked republic of 6.5 million, and neighboring China.
Moscow's embassy in Bishkek on Tuesday called for "a legal solution" to the crisis. "Ensuring the safety of citizens, internal stability should be a priority," it added.
Opposition politicians including a former prime minister and several party leaders said they had formed a "coordination council" to restore stability and "return to the rule of law."
The council issued a statement criticizing Jeenbekov for failing to honor a promise to provide equal conditions for the parties competing in the vote.
Jeenbekov's office has insisted the situation in the country is under his control, while the president accused "several political forces" of attempting to seize power.
"I ordered law enforcement agencies not to open fire or shed blood, so as not to endanger the life of a single citizen," Jeenbekov said.
He said he had "suggested that the Central Election Commission carefully investigate the violations and, if necessary, annul the election results" that sparked the unrest.
Along with Atambayev — a bitter rival of Jeenbekov — two former prime ministers and two former lawmakers were released from jail, media reported.
Broken windows, strewn debris
On Tuesday morning, supporters of nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov — who was also freed by protesters — called for him to be made prime minister or president at a gathering outside the building that houses Jeenbekov's office and parliament.
An AFP correspondent saw broken windows and debris strewn around the rooms of the building. Its exits were being guarded by protesters, with no official security presence in sight. Volunteers were handing out tea and helping municipal services cleaning up.
Media reported that Omurbek Suvanaliyev, whose party Butun Kyrgyzstan scraped into parliament according to preliminary results, was appointed national security chief.
It was not clear who had appointed Suvanaliyev or what legal force the appointment had.
A preliminary count of the election results showed two pro-presidency parties, Birimdik and Mekenim Kyrgyzstan, dominating the new parliament and three parties represented in the outgoing parliament left out in the cold.
Opposition supporters poured onto Bishkek's streets the previous evening to demand Jeenbekov's resignation and a re-run of Sunday's poll.
Poll sows divisions
The peaceful demonstrations in Bishkek turned violent after a column of protesters marched on the White House, home to parliament and the presidential administration.
Police used water cannon, stun grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to force their way through the gates of the building.
Demonstrators later returned and surrounded the building, eventually breaking in and later marching to the State National Security Committee building where former president Atambayev was jailed.
Footage posted on social media showed the 64-year-old greeting supporters after he left jail, where he was serving an 11-year-sentence for his role in the illegal release from jail of a mob boss.
Atambayev was once close with his successor Jeenbekov, but the pair fell out shortly after the 61-year-old won 2017 presidential elections.
Both men are viewed as loyal allies of Russia, a destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrants, whose strategic position in the country is likely to remain unaffected despite the unrest.


themoscowtimes--2020-10-06--Russia Probes Child Torture Reports at Seized Monastery

Russian investigators have opened a criminal case into the alleged torture of children living at a monastery in central Russia @ @ @ @ @ control of an excommunicated , coronavirus-denying priest since June .
Dozens of children live in @ @ @ @ @ monastery near Yekaterinburg , which was captured by its spiritual leader Father Sergei Romanov after @ @ @ @ @ over his refusal to follow coronavirus health guidelines .
Media reports have detailed the alleged @ @ @ @ @ children at the monastery since it was founded in 2005 .
The Sverdlovsk region Investigative @ @ @ @ @ has opened a criminal case into the torture of children as well as into monastery @ @ @ @

Russian investigators have opened a criminal case into the alleged torture of children living at a monastery in central Russia that has been under the control of an excommunicated, coronavirus-denying priest since June.
Dozens of children live in the Sredneuralsk women’s monastery near Yekaterinburg, which was captured by its spiritual leader Father Sergei Romanov after he was banned from preaching over his refusal to follow coronavirus health guidelines. Media reports have detailed the alleged physical and psychological abuse of children at the monastery since it was founded in 2005.
The Sverdlovsk region Investigative Committee said Tuesday that it has opened a criminal case into the torture of children as well as into monastery officials’ negligence.