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September 28, 2006

Independent Kyrgyz TV Station Vandalized

Piramida President Adylbek Biynazarov speaking to reporters in Bishkek today (RFE/RL)

BISHKEK, September 28, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Four unidentified men overnight vandalized property belonging to the independent Kyrgyz television station Piramida, causing at least $200,000 in damage, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported.

They also beat a guard and two technicians.


Major damage was done to the station's transmitter and equipment.


Piramida President Adylbek Biynazarov told journalists in Bishkek the attack was part of an effort to prevent the station from broadcasting.


"We broadcast at 5 p.m. yesterday," Biynazarov said. "Then, at night, at 3 a.m. four masked people came and beat our guard up. They set fire to all our transmitter equipment. This does not look like hooliganism. They were selective. They found our transmitters and poured gasoline on them, setting them on fire. This is a specially organized action."


The station was just starting broadcasting again after a month off the air.


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