VIDEO: Statement by Former President of Kyrgyzstan – 1 Dead and Dozens Injured in Fire (Updated)

"I am currently in a safe place and not under arrest, while I had a weapon with me yesterday when the guys came up to the 3rd floor. I fired into the air 5-6 times," the former president stated during a conversation with reporters and noted that he warned he would not surrender. Atambayev mentioned that he tried to shoot in a way that would not hit anyone, but those from the opposing side were urging their people to go forward. The former president also called for not firing at peaceful residents, as the current authorities have also targeted civilians to clear their path, which will only lead to more casualties.

Today, a meeting of the Security Council has started in Kyrgyzstan amid the unrest in the village of Koi-Tash in the Chuy region. This was reported by the press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan. "Today, without the presence of the press, the agenda includes the discussion of security and law enforcement regarding the situation that arose on August 7, 2019."

Yesterday, the special forces of the State Committee for National Security attempted to forcefully detain the former President Almazbek Atambayev in the village of Koi-Tash, but this attempt failed. In Kyrgyzstan, clashes continued through the night near the residence of former President Almazbek Atambayev in the village of Kosh-Tai between his supporters and special forces. According to Interfax news agency, one of the special forces members was killed in the clashes. The latest data indicates that the number of injured has reached 36. As reported by RIA Novosti, a fire broke out near Atambayev's house, and gunfire was heard. The special forces attempted to detain Atambayev, but they were unsuccessful, after which they launched a second assault.

It was previously reported that Atambayev was wanted for ignoring summons to appear for questioning. Earlier, the Kyrgyz Parliament voted in favor of stripping Atambayev of his immunity and former president status, allowing him to be held criminally liable. Atambayev is accused of land appropriation, corruption during the modernization of Bishkek's heat and power plant, illegal release of a criminal authority, illegal supply of coal to the heat and power plant, and illegally acquiring land for constructing a residential house in Koi-Tash. According to the former president's lawyer, the decision is unconstitutional.

Atambayev led Kyrgyzstan from 2011 to 2017 and became the first head of state to voluntarily step down after the end of a first term. He was the one who initiated the nomination of the current president as a candidate for that position. Last spring, Atambayev publicly acknowledged serious disagreements with President Jeenbekov.