BISHKEK, March 1 - RAPSI. Blogger Vladimir Farafonov has been accused of inciting ethnic hatred in Kyrgyzstan, the country which has recently went through a coup, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday.

A criminal case has been initiated against a blogger, who made a number of publications in a number of Russian media outlets. He may face from 3 to 5 years in prison.

The blogger believes that the accusations are politically motivated. According to him, the Kyrgyz government is now spreading interethnic hatred and conducts a policy of double standards in international relations.

Interethnic tension boosted following the spring 2010 overthrow in Kyrgyzstan. In June 2010, about 500 people died in the republic, thousands were injured, about 500,000 citizens left the country.