Independent Journalist Leaves Kyrgyzstan After Threats

Independent Kyrgyz journalist Syrgak Abdyldaev has left Kyrgyzstan for safety reasons, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Turat Akimov, the former editor in chief of "Reporter-Bishkek Weekly," told RFE/RL that Abdyldaev and his wife left the country one week ago and applied for political asylum in an unnamed country.

Abdyldaev was severely beaten and stabbed by unknown assailants in March. Akimov said that Abdyldaev had recently received several written and phone threats against him and his family.

Several Kyrgyz journalists have left the country after being beaten or receiving threats since President Kurmanbek Bakiev came to power in 2005.