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Kyrgyz Rights Activist Akunov Alive


Akunov on a hospital gurney moments after his sudden reappearance Bishkek, 1 December 2004 (RFE/RL) -- A Kyrgyz doctor, Baktybek Toktorbaev, today told RFE/RL that Kyrgyz rights activist Tursunbek Akunov is alive and in a Bishkek hospital.

"He says that he has been left [by unknown people] in front of the hospital. [And] he complained about a headache," said Toktorbaev.

RFE/RL's correspondent in Bishkek confirmed that Akunov is alive. Akunov told RFE/RL that he had been held by Kyrgyz security forces.

Akunov, who went missing on 16 November, was campaigning for the resignation of President Askar Akaev before he vanished.

His disappearance sparked protests by people accusing the government of involvement, which the Kyrgyz National Security Agency and the Interior Ministry denied.

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