Kyrgyz turn or coup?

Arrested Kyrgyz politician Roza Nurmatova has been accused by the central government of being involved in a coup attempt. The Eldik Kenesh (People's Council) party, which she leads, has been labeled as the organizers of the alleged coup. Nurmatova, who was previously a supporter of President Sadyr Zhaparov, has now been arrested. According to a source in Bishkek who wishes to remain anonymous, Nurmatova was a relatively unknown politician who previously participated in rallies in support of Zhaparov when he was in the opposition.

Official reports claim that Nurmatova's associates spent a year planning and discussing the coup plot, along with seeking financial support from an undisclosed foreign country. However, she did not engage in social media or call for any specific actions. The unnamed journalist speculates that the coup attempt may be a diversionary tactic to distract the public from pressing social issues. The journalist cites the current heatwave and the government's decision to raise tariffs and cut off cold water supply as factors causing public discontent.

The journalist also disputes allegations of Kazakhstan's involvement in the coup plot, stating that there is no evidence supporting such claims. Supporting this perspective, Bishkek journalist Leyla Saralayeva criticized the lack of basic amenities, such as cold water in the midst of the summer heat, and accused the government of creating distractions from these urgent problems.

Another theory suggests that Nurmatova was acting on Moscow's instructions. The pro-government newspaper "Evening Bishkek" published a speech by Nurmatova at a round table discussion on countering "American influence," where she echoed Russian propaganda narratives regarding child trafficking in Belgium, euthanasia laws in Canada, and perceived cultural issues in the West.

Nurmatova, a 59-year-old, identifies herself as a "Soviet person" in terms of mentality. Additionally, unofficial reports indicate the arrest of Adakhan Madumarov, the 58-year-old leader of the Butun Kyrgyzstan party, who is considered pro-Russian. Madumarov, a former Secretary of State and Parliament speaker, has run as a presidential candidate twice.

These developments occur amidst President Sadyr Zhaparov's expressed intentions to improve Kyrgyzstan's relations with the European Union, with a visit from EU Council President Charles Michel. Despite being a member of the CSTO military bloc and the EurAsEC Economic Union and claiming to be an ally of Russia, Kyrgyzstan recently sentenced a local resident who fought on the side of Russian troops in Ukraine to 10 years in prison. It is speculated that Zhaparov and his political ally Tashiev are working to distance the country from Russia, leading to a reshaping of the political landscape.