Rival of Ousted Kyrgyz Leader Takes Power After Mass Unrest
- Jeenbekov quit to ‘avoid bloodshed’ against own people
- Rival Japarov, freed from jail, becomes interim president
Supporters of newly appointed Sadyr Japarov rally in Bishkek on Oct. 14.
Photographer: Vyacheslav Oseledko/AFP via Getty Images
This article is for subscribers only.
The rival of Kyrgyzstan’s ousted president assumed power Thursday just over a week after his supporters freed him from prison amid mass unrest in the impoverished ex-Soviet central Asian nation.
The former leader, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, quit hours earlier saying he wanted to avoid violence amid mounting demands for his resignation. Sadyr Japarov, who was confirmed as prime minister Wednesday, told a crowd of jubilant supporters in the capital Bishkek that he was taking over as acting president.