Three people who signed a petition calling for an early presidential election in Kyrgyzstan have been detained on suspicion of organising mass riots, the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said on February 11.

The move came a day after a political earthquake rocked the Central Asian country – Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov out of the blue fired national security chief Kamchybek Tashiyev, the tough-talking politician widely regarded as his “co-ruler”. Analysts have long speculated that Tashiyev has his eyes on claiming the presidency for himself.

The internal affairs ministry alleged that some statements in the petition, which was signed by some former prime ministers, public figures and others, caused widespread public outcry and “exacerbated the socio-political situation in the country”.

The police only released the initials of the detainees. However, they matched those of Bekbolot Talgarbekov, Emil Uzakbayev and Kurmanbek Dyikanbayev, whose names featured among the petition signatories.

Japarov has submitted an application to the Constitutional Court for a ruling on the timing of the next presidential election, officially scheduled for January 2027, Azattyk reported on February 11.

Briefly explaining the firing of Tashiyev, the presidency said it was done “in the interests of our state, in order to prevent a split in society, including between government structures”.

The media outlet also reported Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov as saying that the petition, signed by 75 people in all, was the basis for the rift between Japarov and Tashiyev.

Tashiyev, currently in Munich for medical treatment, told local media outlets after he was fired: "I fell ill and came to Germany with the permission of the president, because I had to visit the place where I had a previous operation. But yesterday I was fired, which was very unexpected for me.

“In any case, we are obliged to fulfil the president's decision. I have served my country, our people, and our president with honour, and I am proud of it! It is a pity that they did not say goodbye to me personally! I would like to thank every employee of the State Committee for National Security and wish them success!

“And to keep the peace and stability in our country, no one should engage in any illegal activities, and all our actions must be within the law!"

Kyrgyzstan has experienced revolutions in 2005, 2010 and 2020.