Kyrgyz Protests Continue For Third Day

More than 400 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building in the capital Bishkek, calling for Kulov to step down. A similar demonstration of about 100 people gathered in the southern city of Osh, demanding Kulov's resignation as well as the resignation of Omurbek Tekebaev, the speaker of parliament.

Protesters say Kulov should be held responsible for the death of parliamentary deputy Tynychbek Akmatbaev, who was killed in a hostagetaking incident at a Kyrgyz prison on 20 October. He was visiting the jail on behalf of prisoners who were demanding better living conditions. 

Meanwhile, Kulov today started reshuffling the Interior Ministry. Omurbek Suvanaliev has been appointed to head the Bishkek police department.

Kulov also sacked Deputy Interior Minister Alymbai Sultanov, replacing him with former Bishkek police chief Moldomusa Kongantiev.

(with AKIpress/ITAR-TASS)