A scandal has erupted in Bishkek related to threats against schoolchildren. An unknown man released a video on one of the messaging platforms, threatening physical harm to students of local schools.
According to information provided by the Bishkek City Police Department, this incident has been registered, and a preliminary investigation has begun.
“Cyber department specialists of the City Police are taking measures to identify the perpetrator and locate him. If anyone recognizes this person, please report to the round-the-clock number 102; anonymity is guaranteed,” the official statement said.
There is an opinion that the man threatening schoolchildren may be Yaroslav Ovsyuk, a citizen of Ukraine, who was previously involved in reports of bomb threats against educational institutions in Russia, according to media reports.
This individual is wanted by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Ovsyuk has been creating Telegram channels for several years, where he publishes information about potential attacks on students and staff of educational institutions in various Russian cities.
According to Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the Safe Internet League, Ovsyuk is an agent of the Security Service of Ukraine.
In March 2022, the FSB reported the detention of a 17-year-old administrator of the banned internet community "Columbine" in Russia, who was involved in promoting the ideology of mass killings in educational institutions and spreading false information about planned terrorist attacks in schools in the Russian Federation.
According to the detainee's testimony, he received administrative rights from someone calling themselves "White Rose," with whom he communicated on Telegram.
The FSB established that "White Rose" is Yaroslav Ovsyuk, born in 2005, who in November 2021 incited a resident of Kazan to attack a school, which was ultimately prevented.
The Bishkek City Police confirmed that the identity of the author of the threatening videos indeed matches Yaroslav Ovsyuk, who is wanted.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reported that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of students. Inspections are being conducted in schools, additional police forces are involved, and some institutions have temporarily switched to distance learning. All threats are being thoroughly checked, and the situation is being monitored.
Law enforcement agencies urged citizens not to panic: all schools mentioned in the reports have been checked, and no suspicious items were found.
Currently, the police are operating in an enhanced mode to ensure the safety of both students and staff of educational institutions.
Deputy Minister of Education Nadira Jusupbekova stated that classes in private schools will not be suspended. However, later reports emerged that private educational institutions in Bishkek would also switch to online format.
School administrations have been informed of the need to enhance security measures and maintain communication with law enforcement agencies.
Bishkek Vice Mayor Viktoria Mozgacheva confirmed that all municipal schools will operate in online mode.
