Meskhetian Turks Targeted in Kyrgyz Ethnic Violence

On April 19, 2010, hundreds of squatters attacked Meskhetian Turks living in nearby villages, reportedly seeking to take over farm plots. In Maevka, locals said that 28 out of 80 Meskhetian homes were attacked, some burned to the ground. Riot police dispatched to Maevka arrested 130 marauders late that evening, local media outlets reported. The violence claimed at least five lives and left 28 injured.