On Monday Kyrgyzstan marks the anniversary of the opposition protests dubbed the 'Tulip Revolution', which brought down president Akayev three years ago. It was sparked by reports of ballot-rigging in the parliamentary election.
Thousands of opposition protesters targeted the Kyrgyz capital, storming government buildings. Troops and police didn't show any resistance to the crowds. The revolt caused chaos, and widespread looting went on for several days. President Akayev, who had held power since 1990, was brought down and fled the country. The country's current leader Kurmanbek Bakiyev came to power as a result of the events.