BISHKEK. May 20 (Interfax) - Disturbances broke out in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek following a scuffle between locals and foreigners, a criminal case of hooliganism was opened, the press service for the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry said on Saturday.
A conflict between Kyrgyz citizens and foreigners occurred in the early hours of May 14, when over a dozen people had started a fight in a Bishkek hostel. Over 100 people gathered outside the hostel on the night of April 18 to avenge those who were beaten up earlier.
The number of people gathering outside the hostel grew to a thousand by morning. Outraged citizens blocked a road, and instances of violent attacks were recorded at the hostels where foreigners reside. The police were put on alert.
According to the police press service, three foreign citizens who had instigated the scuffle were detained. A criminal case of hooliganism was opened.
"The situation in Bishkek is stable. Policemen are working in emergency mode, patrols were organized, and the work on raising awareness is underway. Vehicular traffic on all streets of the capital was resumed," the press service said.