NARYN, Kyrgyzstan -- Supporters of the former mayor of Naryn in northern Kyrgyzstan have rallied to protest his ouster, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
About 30 supporters of Almaz Kulmatov picketed the Naryn provincial governor's office today, some holding placards saying: "We support Mayor Almaz Kulmatov!" "Respect the rule of law!" and "Yes to the interim government!"
Several dozen young activists forced their way into Kulmatov's office on June 2 and forced him to sign a letter of resignation because he had served as mayor under now-ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev.
Earlier this week, seven youth activists started a hunger strike in Naryn to demand the dismissal of all officials who worked in public offices and state bodies when Bakiev was president.
Naryn Governor Adyl Esenbekov met with the picketers today and explained to them that nobody else in the mayor's office will be sacked. He said that Kulmatov resigned of his own volition.
About 30 supporters of Almaz Kulmatov picketed the Naryn provincial governor's office today, some holding placards saying: "We support Mayor Almaz Kulmatov!" "Respect the rule of law!" and "Yes to the interim government!"
Several dozen young activists forced their way into Kulmatov's office on June 2 and forced him to sign a letter of resignation because he had served as mayor under now-ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev.
Earlier this week, seven youth activists started a hunger strike in Naryn to demand the dismissal of all officials who worked in public offices and state bodies when Bakiev was president.
Naryn Governor Adyl Esenbekov met with the picketers today and explained to them that nobody else in the mayor's office will be sacked. He said that Kulmatov resigned of his own volition.
