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Kyrgyz Authorities Prevent Mass Self-Immolation


Kyrgyz police and fire safety officers have prevented an act of mass self-immolation in Bishkek's Gorky Park.

About 65 women gathered in the park on November 20, demanding lower mortgage and loan interest rates from the country's Central Bank.

At least 10 women poured gasoline on themselves and tried to set themselves on fire, but police and firefighters stopped them.

One of the women was hospitalized with an apparent heart attack.

The women have been protesting the interest rates on loans since September.

A traditional nomadic tent, a yurt, has been set up in the Gorky Park to provide shelter for the protesters.

The women say they will attempt another mass self-immolation on November 21 if their demands are not met.


With reporting by Interfax

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