BISHKEK -- Activists in Kyrgyzstan's Alai district have created a Committee to Protect General Ismail Isakov, who faces charges of abuse of power and financial mismanagement while he was defense minister.
One of the activists, Kadyrbek Batyraliev, told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that Isakov's supporters are ready for a mass march by foot and on horseback to Bishkek demanding an end to the persecution of Isakov.
He also said that female supporters of Isakov are ready to start a hunger strike.
Isakov denies any wrongdoing, saying that the charges are politically motivated.
Isakov is a leader of the opposition People's Revolutionary Movement, and he has been a fierce critic of President Kurmanbek Bakiev.