Kyrgyz MPs Oblige Citizens To Sing National Anthem

Kyrgyzstan's parliament has adopted legislative amendments that oblige the country's citizens to sing the national anthem during official performances.

The law already obliges citizens to stand and hold their right hand over the left side of their chest while listening to the anthem.

The amendments also compel all national and private Kyrgyz television channels to play the anthem at the beginning and end of their daily transmissions.

The amendments were initiated by Kyrgyz parliamentary deputy Ziyabidin Jamaldinov, a member of the pro-presidential Ak Jol (Bright Path) party.

They will become law after they are signed by Ak Jol founder Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev.

Ak Jol holds an overwhelming majority of the seats in the unicameral parliament.

-- RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service