RFE/RL Radio

In 28 Languages

RFE/RL Iran Coverage Cited Around the World

RFE/RL's coverage of the post-election crisis in Iran has been cited by a variety of media outlets around the world. More

By Country / Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Protests Continue For Third Day

October 24, 2005

Demonstrators in front of the parliament building today (RFE/RL)

Bishkek, 24 October 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Hundreds of people demonstrated in Kyrgyzstan for the third day today, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Feliks Kulov, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported.

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)