Revolution 3.0
In October 2020, in Kyrgyzstan, protests broke out the next day after parliament elections over vote-rigging claims. The police tried to disperse them with tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets, and stones. The confrontation lasted for several hours. The protesters defeated the police and captured the White House. These pictured show the events inside and outside the White House that night, capturing key moments in what later turned out to be the third Kyrgyz revolution.
The police advance on the protesters in a final confrontation after several hours of clashes involving tear gas, rubber bullets, and stones. October 6th, 2020
The protesters overpower the police, and SWAT officers retreat. October 6th, 2020
The final moments of the confrontation between protesters and police during Kyrgyzstan’s third revolution. October 6th, 2020
A volunteer provides first aid to a wounded protester with a glass shard wound in his calf. October 6th, 2020.
Protesters look at the newly captured White House in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The building and the square in front of it are filled with people celebrating their victory and burning fires to stay warm. October 6th, 2020
A gas mask burns in a fire next to the White House. That night, most protesters wore masks—not just because of COVID-19, which was surging in the country, but also to protect themselves from the tear gas used by police. October 6th, 2020
On the night of the revolution, at least half a dozen cars were burned in Bishkek, mostly near the White House. This Niva burned directly in front of it. October 6th, 2020
View from the front window of a car abandoned on a street where police and protesters clashed for hours. October 6th, 2020
Protesters spray-painted graffiti on the doors of the captured White House. This one reads: "Ketsin Soke" ("Soke, go away")—a message to then-president Sooronbay Zheenbekov, known by the nickname Soke. October 6th, 2020
A room on the seventh and top floor of the White House, shortly after the building was taken by protesters. October 6th, 2020
A man sits on the top floor of the newly captured White House, reading a book. He appears to be reading the footnotes. October 6th, 2020