In a troubling development, several Egyptian medical students were injured following a mob attack on foreign students in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The incident is part of a wave of violence that began on Friday evening, exacerbated by the circulation of videos showing a brawl between Kyrgyz students and Egyptian medical students.

The violence in Bishkek was reportedly triggered by an incident on May 13 involving harassment of Egyptian female students by local Kyrgyz students. According to eyewitnesses, the conflict began when Egyptian male students intervened to defend their compatriots.

This intervention led to a physical altercation between the Egyptian and Kyrgyz students. Videos of the brawl quickly spread on social media, inflaming local sentiments and escalating tensions.

As the situation deteriorated, local Kyrgyz mobs began targeting all foreign students, not just Egyptians. The violence expanded to include students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, leading to widespread panic and fear among the international student community.

The rapid escalation and spread of violence suggest deep-seated xenophobic sentiments and highlight the vulnerability of foreign students in such volatile environments.

Escalation of Violence

The tensions began with a conflict on May 13 between local Kyrgyz students and Egyptian students. This altercation, captured and spread online, inflamed local sentiments and led to widespread attacks on foreign students residing in Bishkek. Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi students were also targeted in these assaults, resulting in multiple injuries and considerable fear among the international student community.

The Incident Involving Egyptian Students in Kyrgyzstan

In the midst of the escalating violence, a video emerged showing three Egyptian students apologizing for their involvement in an altercation with a Kyrgyz student.

According to Al-Marsad newspaper, the video captures the Egyptians expressing regret for their actions, saying,

“We apologize to the state of Kyrgyzstan for the problem we caused. We are very sorry for what happened and we will not cause any more problems.”

Pakistani Students Also Affected

Pakistani students were significantly affected by the violence. According to Hasan Zaigham, Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, five Pakistani students were injured in the mob violence. One of them was admitted to a local hospital with jaw injuries, while four others were released after receiving first aid. Despite rumors on social media, the ambassador confirmed that no Pakistani students were killed or raped during the violence.

Community and Official Responses

Egyptian Community Response

The Egyptian community in Kyrgyzstan quickly issued critical safety instructions to their compatriots. They advised students to remain indoors, avoid confrontations, and keep a low profile by closing curtains and staying away from windows. They also emphasized not to escalate any encounters with Kyrgyz youth and to maintain minimal visibility after sunset.

Egyptian Official Response

The Egyptian Embassy in Moscow received reports and began monitoring the situation closely. Efforts were made to provide support and guidance to affected students, emphasizing the importance of staying in contact with the embassy and local authorities.

Pakistani Response

Pakistan’s response included summoning Kyrgyzstan’s top diplomat in the country and demanding “all possible measures” for the protection of Pakistani students. The Pakistani embassy advised students to stay indoors and remain in contact for any urgent assistance.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the situation and directed the Pakistani ambassador to provide necessary support to the students. Additionally, around 140 Pakistani students were evacuated and arrived in Lahore. The Pakistani government emphasized its commitment to the safety and security of its nationals and arranged for their return home, bearing all expenses.

Broader Impact and Concerns

This incident reflects a broader issue of rising xenophobia and anti-foreigner sentiments in Kyrgyzstan. The protest in Bishkek saw around 700 local youth expressing their discontent over the increasing number of foreign students, particularly from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, and India.

The violence has led to serious injuries among 29 individuals, all foreigners.

While the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health confirmed the stable condition of the injured, the events have highlighted the precarious situation of foreign students in the country.

Calls for Evacuation

Amidst the chaos, Egyptian students, along with their peers from other countries, are urging their respective governments to arrange for their safe evacuation. The deployment of paramilitary troops has provided some respite, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved, leaving many students anxious about their safety.

Moving Forward

The incident underscores the need for stronger protections and support systems for international students studying abroad. It also calls for a reevaluation of policies and practices to ensure that such incidents do not recur, allowing students to pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment.

As the situation develops, the Egyptian community and their counterparts from other affected nations continue to seek assurances and tangible actions from their governments to secure their safety and well-being in Kyrgyzstan.